Hi Friends,

Even as I launch this today ( my 80th Birthday ), I realize that there is yet so much to say and do. There is just no time to look back, no time to wonder,"Will anyone read these pages?"

With regards,
Hemen Parekh
27 June 2013

Now as I approach my 90th birthday ( 27 June 2023 ) , I invite you to visit my Digital Avatar ( www.hemenparekh.ai ) – and continue chatting with me , even when I am no more here physically

Monday, 20 October 2025

The Bugs in the System

The Bugs in the System

The Unseen Infestation

I came across the news, reported in outlets like the NY Post, that Google had to shut down parts of its New York office due to a bed bug infestation. On the surface, it’s a logistical nightmare and a public relations headache. But as I reflected on it, I realized it’s a powerful metaphor for the modern corporate world, particularly in the tech sector.

We are living in an era of incredible abstraction. Just recently, I was deep in thought about the insights of analysts like Sanchit Vir Gogia (svg@greyhoundg.com) and Mohit Agrawal (mohit.agrawal@counterpointresearch.com), who discuss the transition to an "AI-native era," a concept I explored in a previous blog post. We debate the nuances of large language models and the future of synthesized search, operating at a level of complexity that is truly staggering.

And then, reality bites. Literally.

More Than Just Pests

A bed bug infestation at the heart of one of the world's most advanced technology companies is a humbling, grounding event. It reminds me that no matter how sophisticated our digital creations become, we are still physical beings in a physical world. You can design the most brilliant algorithm, but you can still be brought to your knees by a primitive insect.

These bugs represent the unseen, foundational problems that can fester beneath a polished corporate veneer. Companies like Google spend billions crafting an image of a utopian workplace—a campus that is more of a lifestyle than an office. Yet, this incident reveals that even paradise can have pests. It reminds me of the countless times I've advised my teams, including Sanjivani (sanjivanis@nvidia.com) and Kailas (kailas.tare@notified.com), that the cosmetic appearance—whether of a blog post or a corporate strategy—must be backed by solid substance (a point I've made before). A beautiful exterior cannot hide a rotting foundation forever.

The Cracks in the Facade

This news also adds a strange new dimension to the heated 'return-to-office' debate. Leaders are pushing for in-person collaboration, citing culture and innovation. Employees are pushing back, valuing flexibility and autonomy. But now, a new concern emerges: the basic health and hygiene of the physical workspace. It's difficult to argue for the superiority of the office environment when it comes with a risk of bringing home unwanted guests.

This incident is a powerful lesson in corporate humility. It forces us to ask: if something as basic as pest control can be overlooked, what other, more significant 'bugs' are lurking in the system? What are the unseen flaws in our code, the unaddressed biases in our AI models, or the toxic elements in our company cultures that we are failing to see?

Perhaps it’s a sign that while we reach for the stars, we must also remember to check under the mattress.


Regards,
Hemen Parekh


Of course, if you wish, you can debate this topic with my Virtual Avatar at : hemenparekh.ai

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