That was true for COVID but be careful not to overgeneralise. People also have historically warned about many things, with many of them never coming true.
In fact, that is probably the reason that people unfortunately have learned not to listen. There's even a fable about it.
Although I do think that AI fits the pattern of "real big thing".
In general, cultural diffusion progresses in three stages: from insiders to money people to the public.
For example, great artists are recognized first by fellow artists and critics, then by art auctions, then by the broader public.
AI seems to be following a similar trajectory. AGI is felt first by insiders (AI researchers), then by money people (politicians and business leaders - we are here) then by the public (I'm guessing soon).
In fact, that is probably the reason that people unfortunately have learned not to listen. There's even a fable about it.