Research · 2026-10-02

Should AI Be Called “Superintelligence”? A Debate About Terms

Authors at HackerNoon ask whether “superintelligence” is a more accurate term for what is now called artificial intelligence.

✨ What the Article Is About

The HackerNoon article addresses a simple but important question: what is the right way to name the technologies now known as artificial intelligence (AI)? The title itself questions whether the name “AI” should be used or whether it is better to speak of “superintelligence.”

It is important to understand that this is a debate about words, not about a new achievement. Superintelligence usually means a hypothetical system that would significantly surpass humans in almost all areas. No such system exists today, so the dispute concerns how to describe current technologies accurately.

📌 Why the Name Matters

Names shape our expectations. When people say “artificial intelligence,” many imagine images from science fiction films. When they say “superintelligence,” expectations are even higher. Therefore, the choice of words affects how society perceives these technologies, whether it trusts them, and how it treats them.

For an ordinary user this may sound abstract, but terms also affect public debate and decisions about regulation. If a name exaggerates a system’s capabilities, it can create both unnecessary fears and unrealistic hopes.

Sources: 🔗 Google News