Engadget notes that AI Appreciation Day falls on July 16 and questions its relevance. The piece compares the observance to other novelty holidays, suggesting it lacks seriousness and serves more as a marketing gimmick than a meaningful acknowledgment of artificial intelligence. The article lists the website's suggested actions—thank AI developers, discuss the technology with skeptics, sign a pledge—and then dismisses them as superficial.

Instead of dedicating a single day to AI, the author argues consumers should focus on tangible experiences: supporting local artists, spending time outdoors, or reconnecting with friends. The piece implies that AI's influence is already pervasive across society and industry, making a one‑day celebration redundant. It warns that treating AI as a holiday could distract from real issues like data center energy use and the cost of AI token consumption.

For the tech sector, the commentary suggests that resources spent on promoting a holiday may be better allocated to addressing AI's environmental impact and ethical concerns. The article encourages a shift from symbolic gestures to practical actions that benefit communities and mitigate AI's broader footprint.