AI tokens could become the kilowatt-hour of the AI age

Earlier this year, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman suggested that intelligence could become a utility like electricity, with people purchasing it on a meter. This vision could make “AI tokens” a common part of our lives, similar to how we measure electricity in kilowatt-hours. AI tokens track the work AI models do, and businesses are increasingly charged based on their token usage. As companies like Uber and Amazon use more AI, they’ve realized how costly token-based pricing can be, leading them to limit their AI usage. Tokens also provide data for economists to study AI’s impact on financial markets. Researchers are examining how AI usage affects stock prices, offering insights into which companies might benefit or suffer from AI’s rise. This reflects investors’ expectations about AI’s future impact on businesses. QUESTION: How might the widespread use of AI tokens change the way we interact with technology in our daily lives?