AI can wipe us out – so why can’t it do Guardian cryptic crosswords?

The Guardian’s latest letters column features a humorous critique of current artificial intelligence capabilities. Reader John Hougham points out the irony that while AI is frequently discussed in the context of existential threats or its potential to dominate the internet, it remains remarkably poor at solving complex, nuanced tasks such as the Guardian’s cryptic crosswords. The letters section also touches upon broader tech-related discourse, including Donald Trump’s stance on AI regulation and the ongoing debate regarding the necessity of government-led guardrails for the industry. These contributions highlight a growing public skepticism toward the hype surrounding AI, contrasting the grand predictions of industry leaders like Sam Altman and Elon Musk with the mundane, everyday limitations of current technology. The collection serves as a reminder that despite rapid advancements, AI still struggles with the linguistic dexterity and lateral thinking required for traditional human puzzles.