The utility of current-era AI may well be overstated, and the business models of certain companies might be doubtful, but that doesn't make AI it a "cult".
AI is not a cult, HN regarding AI is.
It's boring and it's viral and if you refuse to participate, there are still people annoying you with their beliefs.
It's a fucking tool, like a fucking shovel.
If you blindly ignore all the drawbacks, preach that "future is now" and whoever is not using the slot machine "will be left behind", then you're in a cult.