Multiple outlets report that after a surge of corporate interest following the public rollout of ChatGPT, AI adoption is increasingly constrained by rising operating costs. They describe a period in which AI providers often offered services at very low prices to attract customers, reflecting a “subsidized intelligence” model in which investors and early funding helped cover expenses. As demand grows and companies move from experimentation to ongoing deployment, costs for running and maintaining AI systems are rising, and some businesses are questioning whether the technology’s value keeps pace. Sources note that this shift is leading firms to reconsider how they budget for AI, whether they scale back usage, or seek more cost-effective approaches. The articles also frame the change as part of a broader transition from initial marketing and customer acquisition to longer-term sustainability, where economics become a key factor in decisions about continued investment. Overall, the coverage aligns on the theme that AI is not simply becoming less attractive, but more expensive to operate, prompting a more cautious corporate stance.