Is it stupid to believe in the singularity?
I'm fairly young so I frequently fantasize that humanity will make incredible leaps forward within my lifetime. I can't help but dream that most of our problems will be solved in a matter of decades. I have held this belief for most of my short existence, but I am now starting to have doubts.
The main problem is that technology doesn't seem to be progressing as fast as it should. Sure, we have a new smartphone model every six months, but what about more fundamental long term research that doesn't have immediate commercial applications? I don't have enough information or scientific education to determine whether we are heading in the right direction. However it does seem that A.I. and genetic manipulation research is evolving at a snail's pace.
A lesser but perhaps even more depressing problem is that belief in the singularity itself is starting to look awkwardly like a form of religion:
1) A belief in a second, better life in the future whose nature is incomprehensible to "mortals".
2) A small evidence/speculation ratio
3) Worship (in this case, technology or those who create it)
4) A "chosen few" mentality. (For example, the singularity benefitting only scientists or people who saw it coming and planned accordingly i.e. Kurzweil taking 40 pills a day to live long enough) This is extremely common in internet discussions around the subject. I had this same attitude myself until recently, patting myself on the back for being "in the know".
So do you think it is stupid to believe in the singularity? Am I delusional? I really need some outside perspective here.