Core Viewpoint - The article reflects on the current AI boom, drawing parallels to the mobile internet frenzy from 2013 to 2016, suggesting that this AI excitement, despite concerns of a bubble, is essential for innovation and hope in the industry [4][15]. Group 1: The Crazy Era of Mobile Internet - From 2011, the mobile internet startup scene exploded, with significant changes in lifestyle due to smartphone proliferation and mobile payment systems [6]. - Daily new business registrations in China surged from about 6,900 in 2013 to 12,000 in 2015, with over 5.5 million new companies registered in 2016 [6]. - Venture capital investment in China skyrocketed from approximately $12 billion in 2013 to nearly $49 billion in 2015, reaching about $77 billion in 2016, marking a growth of over 600% in three years [7]. - The number of private equity and venture capital fund managers in China increased from under 2,000 in 2013 to over 10,000 by 2016 [7]. - The number of startup investment cases rose from 3,600 in 2015 to over 5,000 in 2016, nearing the activity level of Silicon Valley [7]. - The number of national-level technology business incubators grew from about 500 in 2012 to over 2,500 in 2016, with total innovation spaces exceeding 7,000 [8]. Group 2: The Culture of Entrepreneurship - The entrepreneurial spirit was prevalent, with many young individuals leaving stable jobs to start their own ventures, often encouraged by investors [9]. - The atmosphere was filled with discussions about startups, funding, and innovative ideas, creating a unique sense of courage and hope among aspiring entrepreneurs [9]. - Many successful companies emerged during this period, including unicorns like Didi, Meituan, ByteDance, and Pinduoduo, which were founded in this vibrant environment [7][9]. Group 3: The Mix of Innovators and Frauds - The era saw a mix of genuine innovators and opportunists, with some entrepreneurs starting with minimal resources but achieving significant success, such as the founders of facial recognition app "Lianmeng" and video editing app "Jianying" [11]. - There were also instances of fraud, where individuals misrepresented their ventures to secure funding, highlighting the chaotic nature of the startup ecosystem [13]. Group 4: The Importance of Chaos for Innovation - The chaotic environment of the mobile internet era, while mixed with risks, fostered a culture of experimentation and innovation, leading to the emergence of transformative companies [15]. - The current AI hype mirrors the past, with skepticism about its sustainability, yet it is crucial for driving new ideas and opportunities in the industry [16][17]. - The article emphasizes that true innovation often arises from disorder and that the current AI landscape, despite its challenges, holds the potential for significant advancements [17].