Is Quantum Computing Hype?

[sciencemathematics1]

TL;DR Summary

I am quite skeptical of Quantum Computing and all the hype surrounding the topic

There is no way, that Quantum Computers, will ever be able to supercede or replace classical computers, or even do or preform super complicated calculations in the same way that I have heard from some people before. I just, can't believe, that they are, or will, ever be at THAT level.
I saw this thread, over here:

Thread 'Is AI hype?'

Jun 6, 2025

In my discussions elsewhere, I've noticed a lot of disagreement regarding AI. A question that comes up is, "Is AI hype?" Unfortunately, when this question is asked, the one asking, as far as I can tell, may mean one of three things which can lead to lots of confusion. I'll list them out now for clarity.

1. Can AI do everything a human can do and how close are we to that?
2. Are corporations and governments using the promise of AI to gain more power for themselves?
3. Are AI and transhumans an existential threat?

Any thoughts on these questions?

• SamRoss
• agi Ai asi hype transhuman
• Replies: 371
• Forum: Computing and Technology

It is important and valid to discuss these topics as far as whether or not they are being hyped up. There are a variety of reasons that you can suspect that they would do such. As far as hyping these subjects up goes.
in fact: I can even say that I am skeptical of the whole supposed process behind them. I admit, you may tell me, that I don't quite understand the subject, I get that. However, I believe, I was inside of a University Physics Department before.
There are some things, which just seem too wild to believe.
I remember Michio Kaku was discussing the Subject, I believe, and he was saying that Quantum Computing "Will be Revolutionary"

 

[PeroK]

Is skepticism just hype?

 

[sciencemathematics1]

I mean. I was never that Goode at being a Skeptic. However, I can say for sure that it would be fair to hype up Skepticism somewhat, at least right now, considering all of the stuff we are seeing, both being hyped up, and which is apparently being developed.

 

[phinds]

TL;DR Summary: I am quite skeptical of Quantum Computing and all the hype surrounding the topic

There is no way, that Quantum Computers, will ever be able to supercede or replace classical computers, or even do or preform super complicated calculations in the same way that I have heard from some people before. I just, can't believe, that they are, or will, ever be at THAT level.

You can believe anything you choose. Science really doesn't care.

Quantum computer are in their infancy but they absolutely CAN be and in fact ARE superior to classical computers for some problems already. They will NOT likely be general purpose computers, and so will not replace classical computers for most more common applications.

 

[FactChecker]

Quantum computers will be spectacularly good at some problems (like breaking passwords) that will effect everyone, but most things will be handled easily on traditional computers.

 

[Baluncore]

I am quite skeptical of Quantum Computing and all the hype surrounding the topic ...

There will always be some group, invested in the past, who will squeeze more out of the old technology, when threatened by the hype of a new technology.

The Quantum Computer concept, with hype, has improved the algorithms used on conventional computers, without QC needing to be present, yet there are still tasks that need QC technology.

The concept of Content Addressable Parallel Processors had a similar effect. We changed data structures, and found improved algorithms, to get around many of the original applications requiring a CAPP.

When electric light took on gaslight, mantles that contained cerium and thorium oxides were developed, which greatly improved gaslight. It then took a century of thoriated tungsten filaments before LEDs displaced the majority of filament lamps. Gaslight mantles are still available.

Keep up the hype.
Like a rising tide, it raises all boats that float.

 

[Hornbein]

I remember Michio Kaku was discussing the Subject, I believe, and he was saying that Quantum Computing "Will be Revolutionary"

I heard Michio talk about quantum computing and it seemed he knew less than the little I know. It made a very poor impression. I thought he had far too much chutzpah appearing on TV as an expert having done so little research.

I think quantum computers will be very useful for simulating quantum systems such as are found in physics and chemistry. That's what Feynman originally proposed for them. I don't see they will be much use for anything else but there are some very clever people out there. It seems to me that they aren't programmable in the if-then-else sense, it's all weird math that I don't understand and the weird math people don't seem able to explain it.

 

[martinbn]

TL;DR Summary: I am quite skeptical of Quantum Computing and all the hype surrounding the topic

There is no way, that Quantum Computers, will ever be able to supercede or replace classical computers, or even do or preform super complicated calculations in the same way that I have heard from some people before. I just, can't believe, that they are, or will, ever be at THAT level.

Off topic, but this reminded me of an old joke. When the radio started to be popular, two old men talking. One says "Do you think it will replace the newspaper?", the other says "No, never, you cannot kill a fly with it."

 

[Hornbein]

Off topic, but this reminded me of an old joke. When the radio started to be popular, two old men talking. One says "Do you think it will replace the newspaper?", the other says "No, never, you cannot kill a fly with it."

In about 1985 I told a smart professor of physics that email would take over. He didn't believe it.

 

[phinds]

I heard Michio talk about quantum computing and it seemed he knew less than the little I know. It made a very poor impression. I thought he had far too much chutzpah appearing on TV as an expert having done so little research.

That is his style these days ... get on TV and pontificate about things he knows next to nothing about, He loves being treated like an expert even though he's not.