TechnologyJuly 15, 2026

doomerism

/ˈduːmərɪzəm/

Definition

A pessimistic worldview, particularly regarding technology, characterized by an exaggerated focus on existential threats or catastrophic outcomes.

Etymology

The word is a derivative of 'doomer,' a 21st-century internet slang term for someone consumed by nihilism or apocalyptic anxieties. It combines the Middle English root 'dom' (meaning judgment or fate) with the suffix '-ism' to denote a specific ideology or set of beliefs.

In the news

In this article, the author characterizes the extreme fear-mongering surrounding AI as 'doomerism,' arguing that these alarmist warnings hinder real-world progress and benefit elite interests. He uses the term to contrast paralyzing skepticism with practical, policy-driven regulation.

Op-Ed: Rep. Max Rose: When it comes to AI regulation, Congress should look to the successes of the Internet Age

Read the full article ↗

Washington Reporter

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