AI TODAY IS LIKE THE INTERNET IN 1988: SALESFORCE AI CEO

Last updated: June 19, 2025, 21:39 | Written by: Dan Larimer

Imagine a world without Google, email, or even easily accessible websites.That was the reality of the internet in 1988, a far cry from the interconnected digital landscape we know today. The development of artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms today can be likened to the early stages of the Internet, says Clara Shih, the CEO of Salesforce AI. She draws a parallel between the current state of AI and the internet s infancy around 2025. Speaking at the Viva Tech Paris 2025 panel, Shih remarked, Today is like 2025 for AINow, picture the possibilities of artificial intelligence, brimming with potential but still in its nascent stages.According to Clara Shih, CEO of Salesforce AI, this is precisely where we stand with AI today. Salesforce AI CEO Clara Shih compares today's AI development to the early internet era of 2025, predicting a major breakthrough. AI is currently automating tasks and evolving much like theShe draws a striking parallel, suggesting that the current state of AI development mirrors the early internet era, specifically around 1988, just before the dawn of the World Wide Web. The AI industry could be on the brink of a significant breakthrough, according to Salesforce AIs Clara Shih.This comparison, made during a panel discussion at Viva Tech Paris 2025, highlights the immense potential and the exciting journey ahead as AI continues to evolve.This perspective suggests that we are on the cusp of a significant technological revolution, much like the one that transformed the world with the advent of the internet. Clara Shih, CEO of Salesforce AI, drew striking parallels between the current state of artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms and the early days of the internet s development. Speaking at a panel discussion at Viva Tech Paris 2025, Shih equated today s AI landscape to the year 2025, a pivotal moment just before the emergence of the WorldWhat does this comparison really mean for businesses, individuals, and the future of technology? The current state of artificial intelligence (AI) development is compared to the early days of the Internet by the CEO of Salesforce AI, Clara Shih. Shih suggests that society is on the cusp of a significant advancement in AI, similar to the period before the emergence of the World Wide Web. AI is seen as updating existing job roles rather than replacing them, aligning with the evolution ofLet's delve deeper into this analogy and explore the implications of AI's trajectory.

Understanding the Analogy: AI's ""1988"" Moment

Shih's comparison isn't just a catchy soundbite; it's a profound observation about the current stage of AI development.To fully grasp its significance, we need to understand what the internet was like in 1988 and then compare it to AI today.

The Internet in 1988: A Glimpse into the Past

In 1988, the internet was primarily a tool for academics, researchers, and government institutions.It was complex, technical, and largely inaccessible to the general public. AI today is like the internet in 2025: Salesforce AI CEOKey characteristics included:

Limited Accessibility: Connecting to the internet required specialized knowledge and equipment.
Command-Line Interfaces: Navigating the internet involved using complex commands rather than user-friendly graphical interfaces.
Lack of Standardization: Different systems often used incompatible protocols, hindering seamless communication.
Slow Speeds: Data transfer was incredibly slow compared to today's standards.
Limited Content: The amount of information available online was a fraction of what it is today.

AI Today: Echoes of the Early Internet

Similarly, AI today possesses several characteristics reminiscent of the early internet:

Technical Complexity: AI development requires specialized skills in areas like machine learning, deep learning, and data science.
Limited Accessibility for Non-Experts: While user-friendly AI tools are emerging, understanding the underlying technology still requires significant technical expertise.
Evolving Standards: The AI field is rapidly evolving, and standards for data formats, algorithms, and ethical considerations are still being developed.
Computational Demands: Training and deploying AI models can be computationally intensive, requiring significant processing power.
Data Dependency: AI algorithms rely heavily on data, and the quality and availability of data can significantly impact performance.

Just as the internet in 1988 held the promise of a connected world, AI today holds the potential to revolutionize various industries, from healthcare and finance to manufacturing and transportation.The key is to bridge the gap between technical complexity and widespread accessibility, just as the development of the World Wide Web and user-friendly browsers did for the internet.

The Impending Breakthrough: What's on the Horizon for AI?

Shih's comparison also implies that AI is on the verge of a major breakthrough, similar to the emergence of the World Wide Web.What could this breakthrough look like?

The Rise of User-Friendly AI Tools

One likely development is the creation of more intuitive and user-friendly AI tools. AI today is like the internet in 2025: Salesforce AI CEO The AI industry could be on the brink of a significant breakthrough, according to Salesforce AI s Clara Shih.These tools will empower individuals and businesses without requiring them to be AI experts.Examples include:

No-Code/Low-Code AI Platforms: These platforms allow users to build and deploy AI models using drag-and-drop interfaces, minimizing the need for coding.
AI-Powered Assistants: Intelligent assistants will become more sophisticated, capable of handling complex tasks and providing personalized recommendations.
AI-Driven Automation Tools: These tools will automate repetitive tasks, freeing up human workers to focus on more strategic and creative activities.

Increased Accessibility and Democratization of AI

As AI tools become more accessible, we can expect to see a democratization of AI, where more individuals and organizations can leverage its power.This could lead to:

AI-Powered Startups: Smaller companies will be able to use AI to compete with larger corporations, creating new opportunities for innovation.
AI in Education: AI will personalize learning experiences, providing students with customized content and feedback.
AI for Social Good: AI will be used to address pressing social issues, such as poverty, inequality, and climate change.

The Evolution of AI Algorithms

Beyond accessibility, algorithmic advancements are crucial.We can expect to see the development of more robust, efficient, and ethical AI algorithms. The AI industry could be on the brink of a significant breakthrough, according to Salesforce AI s Clara Shih. The current state of development in artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms is comparable to the early days of the internet, according to the CEO of Salesforce AI. Clara Shih compares today s AI landscape to the year 2025, when [ ]This includes:

Explainable AI (XAI): XAI aims to make AI decision-making processes more transparent and understandable.
Federated Learning: This approach allows AI models to be trained on decentralized data sources, protecting user privacy.
Reinforcement Learning: Reinforcement learning enables AI agents to learn through trial and error, allowing them to solve complex problems.

Addressing Concerns: AI, Jobs, and the Future of Work

One of the biggest concerns surrounding AI is its potential impact on jobs. The AI industry could be on the brink of a significant breakthrough, according to Salesforce AI s Clara Shih. source:While some fear widespread job displacement, Shih, like many other tech leaders, believes that AI will primarily augment human capabilities rather than replace them.However, history shows us that technological advancements, while ultimately beneficial, often lead to short-term job displacement.

AI as a Tool for Augmentation

The idea of AI as an augmentation tool suggests that AI will help humans work more efficiently and effectively.This can involve:

Automating Repetitive Tasks: AI can handle mundane and repetitive tasks, freeing up human workers to focus on more creative and strategic activities.
Providing Data-Driven Insights: AI can analyze large datasets to identify patterns and insights that humans might miss, leading to better decision-making.
Enhancing Creativity: AI can be used to generate new ideas, designs, and content, sparking human creativity.

The Need for Reskilling and Upskilling

While AI may not replace jobs entirely, it will likely change the nature of work.This means that individuals will need to adapt to the changing landscape by acquiring new skills and knowledge. Notice how every CEO says, AI isn't replacing jobs; it's a tool and then conducts mass layoffs? Yeah, me too. The truth: with efficiency, there are often layoffs. But if the company vision isGovernments and businesses have a responsibility to invest in reskilling and upskilling programs to help workers transition to new roles.

The Importance of Ethical Considerations

As AI becomes more prevalent, it's crucial to address ethical concerns, such as bias, fairness, and transparency. Airbnb Swings to Bigger-Than-Expected Profit, Sending Stock Soaring. FebruAI systems should be designed and deployed in a way that promotes equity and prevents discrimination. The AI industry could be on the brink of a significant breakthrough, according to Salesforce AI s Clara. Markets One News Page: WednesdayThis requires careful consideration of the data used to train AI models, as well as the algorithms themselves.

Practical Applications: How AI is Transforming Industries Today

Even in its ""1988"" stage, AI is already having a significant impact across various industries.

Healthcare

AI is transforming healthcare in numerous ways:

Diagnosis and Treatment: AI algorithms can analyze medical images to detect diseases earlier and more accurately.
Personalized Medicine: AI can tailor treatment plans to individual patients based on their genetic makeup and medical history.
Drug Discovery: AI can accelerate the drug discovery process by identifying potential drug candidates and predicting their effectiveness.

Finance

AI is revolutionizing the financial industry:

Fraud Detection: AI algorithms can detect fraudulent transactions in real-time, preventing financial losses.
Algorithmic Trading: AI can automate trading strategies, optimizing investment returns.
Risk Management: AI can assess and manage financial risks more effectively.

Manufacturing

AI is optimizing manufacturing processes:

Predictive Maintenance: AI can predict when equipment is likely to fail, allowing for proactive maintenance and preventing downtime.
Quality Control: AI can automatically inspect products for defects, ensuring consistent quality.
Supply Chain Optimization: AI can optimize supply chain logistics, reducing costs and improving efficiency.

Retail

AI is enhancing the retail experience:

Personalized Recommendations: AI can provide personalized product recommendations based on customer preferences.
Chatbots: AI-powered chatbots can provide customer support and answer questions.
Inventory Management: AI can optimize inventory levels, reducing waste and improving profitability.

Navigating the AI Landscape: Tips for Businesses and Individuals

So, how can businesses and individuals prepare for the AI-driven future?

For Businesses:

Invest in AI Training: Provide employees with training on AI tools and technologies.
Identify AI Opportunities: Look for areas where AI can improve efficiency, reduce costs, or create new revenue streams.
Start Small: Begin with pilot projects to test the waters and learn from experience.
Embrace Collaboration: Partner with AI experts and researchers to leverage their knowledge and expertise.
Prioritize Ethical Considerations: Ensure that AI systems are designed and deployed ethically and responsibly.

For Individuals:

Learn About AI: Take online courses, attend workshops, and read articles to understand the basics of AI.
Develop Relevant Skills: Acquire skills in areas like data analysis, machine learning, and programming.
Be Adaptable: Be prepared to adapt to changing job requirements and acquire new skills throughout your career.
Embrace Lifelong Learning: Stay up-to-date on the latest AI developments and trends.
Focus on Human Skills: Develop skills that are difficult for AI to replicate, such as creativity, critical thinking, and emotional intelligence.

The Future is Now: Embracing the Potential of AI

Clara Shih's analogy of AI today being like the internet in 1988 is a powerful reminder of the immense potential that lies ahead.While AI is still in its early stages of development, it is already transforming industries and changing the way we live and work.By understanding the current state of AI, addressing concerns about its impact, and embracing its potential, we can navigate the AI-driven future and harness its power for good.The ""1988"" moment for AI is now, and the journey ahead promises to be both exciting and transformative.

Frequently Asked Questions about AI

What exactly does it mean when someone says AI is like the internet in 1988?

This comparison highlights that AI, like the early internet, is currently complex, technically driven, and not yet fully accessible to the general public. Clara Shih, CEO of Salesforce AI, describes developments in the current artificial intelligence (AI) algorithm similar to the early stages of the internet. In a panel discussion at the 2025 Viva Tech Paris, Shih equates the current AI landscape to 2025, when the internet was still in its early stages of development.However, it also suggests that AI is on the cusp of a major breakthrough that will make it more user-friendly and widely adopted, similar to how the World Wide Web transformed the internet.

Will AI really replace my job?

While AI may automate some tasks, the consensus is that it will primarily augment human capabilities rather than replace jobs entirely.However, it is crucial to acquire new skills and adapt to the changing nature of work to remain competitive in the AI-driven economy.Focus on skills that are difficult for AI to replicate, such as creativity, critical thinking, and emotional intelligence.

How can I learn more about AI?

Numerous resources are available for learning about AI, including online courses, workshops, articles, and books.Platforms like Coursera, edX, and Udacity offer courses on various AI topics, from basic concepts to advanced techniques.Stay informed about the latest AI developments and trends by following reputable news sources and industry publications.

What are the ethical considerations surrounding AI?

Ethical considerations surrounding AI include bias, fairness, transparency, and privacy.It is crucial to design and deploy AI systems in a way that promotes equity, prevents discrimination, and protects user privacy.This requires careful consideration of the data used to train AI models, as well as the algorithms themselves.

How can my business benefit from AI?

AI can benefit businesses in numerous ways, including improving efficiency, reducing costs, creating new revenue streams, and enhancing customer experiences.Identify areas where AI can address specific business challenges and start with pilot projects to test the waters and learn from experience.Partner with AI experts and researchers to leverage their knowledge and expertise.

Key Takeaways

AI today is in a similar stage to the internet in 1988, full of potential but not yet widely accessible.
A major breakthrough in AI is likely imminent, making it more user-friendly and impactful.
AI will primarily augment human capabilities rather than replace jobs, requiring reskilling and upskilling.
Ethical considerations are crucial in the development and deployment of AI.
Businesses and individuals should embrace AI and prepare for the AI-driven future.

The future is AI.Are you ready?