Who claims to know AI experts who do not exist?
WIRED reports on a survey of more than 5,400 Americans. Men said they knew made-up AI leaders more often than women did; women more often said they were unsure. A separate look at media quotes found men cited as AI experts more often. These patterns do not tell us how skilled any one person is or why the gap exists.
What the source reports
WIRED describes a Harvard survey of more than 5,400 Americans. The survey included the names of real and made-up AI leaders. Men said they knew the made-up figures more often than women did. Women more often said they were unsure. The article also describes a look at media quotes, where men appeared more often as AI experts. The survey tests claims of familiarity, not a person’s actual AI skills. The coverage count does not explain why editors quoted some people more than others. Neither result should be used to judge an individual.
Original source
- Title
- Men Can’t Stop Faking How Much They Know About AI
- Author
- Kate Taylor
- Publication
- WIRED
- Date
- Wednesday, October 14, 2026