The results of the Google search were stunning. As it turns out, the entirety of the online presence generated by this band was actually an AI-generated “cinematic and musical experience.” While the song writing was real, the performers with their names, personalities and personal bios were not. There were no concerts, no tour bus, no little daughter. The band’s entire feed was designed and created using AI technology. I had been completely and totally convinced. It was at this moment that I finally understood. This technology is going to change everything.

I think until this, I was viewing AI as a sort of “will be important one day” technology. I’ve been practicing using it with a paid Grok account for a few months, the results so far have been lackluster. Sometimes it saves me time when researching for the column, but sometimes it provides wrong answers or too much information. It still can’t clean my Inbox, send out my bills, or help me with my schedule. I mostly use it make memes, not exactly life changing.

My friends who have been more enthusiastic about integrating AI tech into their businesses all seem to have hit walls as well. None of them feel the technology has delivered on its initial promise, and for most, the AI is taking more time and money than it is saving at this point. I was beginning to wonder if the hype around AI, and by correlation, the excitement present in the financial markets, was being overblown. The experience with the band changed my opinion.

I now understand, we are on the very front end of a phenomenon which has the capacity to change the entire human experience, and I’m not going to pretend to know how. What I do feel confident in prognosticating is that, as this technology evolves and develops, it is likely to become the most important economic and technological influence on the planet, perhaps ever.

So, are we early to the investment themes presented by this trend? Absolutely not; lots of money has already been made, and the emerging value investments in AI infrastructure are in the past. To think we are late, however, is likely not accurate as well.

While the main investor focus thus far seems to be on the build-out of the AI infrastructure, as this technology matures new opportunities will emerge, some of which are likely impossible to foresee right now. The experience with the rock band both perturbed and excited me. As the economy moves from the infrastructure to the application stage with AI, smart investors will be pursuing the next area of opportunity. Hunting for these companies as they emerge will be fascinating.

The opinions voiced in this material are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual. Stock investing includes risks, including fluctuating prices and loss of principal. No investment strategy can guarantee a profit or preserve against loss. Past performance is not a guarantee of future results. This material may contain forward looking statements; there are no guarantees that these outcomes will come to pass.

Marc Ruiz is a wealth advisor and partner with Oak Partners and registered representative of LPL Financial. Contact Marc at marc.ruiz@oakpartners.com. Securities offered through LPL Financial, member FINRA/SIPC.