Sohu CEO admits missing mobile internet, stays out of the AI model race

At the 2026 World Internet Conference in Wuzhen, Sohu founder and CEO Charles Zhang admitted that he missed the mobile internet era. While many companies are pouring big money into AI, Sohu has stayed cautious. Zhang explained it's not just calmness, but a clear-headed choice—having missed mobile internet, the company lacks the massive resources that large AI models require. Zhang also warned against being fully swept away by the AI hype, saying money-making opportunities often lie in overlooked places. He noted that algorithm recommendations now fill the Chinese internet, and some people prefer getting information through real human interaction. He doesn't oppose algorithms, but Sohu chose not to chase them in its product design.