most actual researchers are entirely sick of the hype and are desperately trying to correct it, to no avail. i think laypeople just have a strong desire to get overexcited about AI and nothing is going to stop them.
Maybe researchers would like that, but PR is important even for academic researchers. Sexy and hyped topics get more media coverage, more funding and lead to more impressive CVs and careers.
Laypeople only have this desire because of endless marketing and propaganda by companies like IBM, Tesla and Google, uncorrected by people who should know better.
There is no "AI" and anyone who uses that term is mentally ill or selling snake oil.
