Readers share why and how they are avoiding AI

We recently inquired three AI experts about the notion that if you stay away from AI, you might fall behind. It turns out, there exists a distinction between not employing and disregarding the technology. Curious to learn more, we encouraged individuals who are avoiding AI to share their reasons. As a university student, AI surrounds me constantly, utilized by both students and faculty.

I refuse to engage in any use of generative AI, or optional AI. To prevent AI from influencing me, I utilize browser extensions to block Google's AI summaries. I disable AI features in all the programs I work with, avoiding ChatGPT and Claude, and actively steer clear of any AI-driven social media content.

The world seems captivated by the idea of rapid progress, disregarding the destination we're rushing towards. I am apprehensive that AI is not the answer to our issues, only complicating the path to solutions. Before AI's advent, we struggled with discerning what was real or true; now, what hope does the future hold? I work for a company that, in a matter of moments, transitioned from a "Do not use AI under any circumstances" stance to a "Use AI for everything" policy.

I am deeply concerned about the environmental consequences of AI and have chosen to object to its use on that basis alone. At work, I openly declared my refusal to use AI excessively, despite it being unavoidable to some extent, and have been warned that I will be left behind. I am also alarmed at the potential loss of independent thinking among people, as we've already seen a decline in remembering multiple phone numbers. Imagine the consequences if this trend continues on a larger scale.

I am a 42-year veteran professional driver, who developed skills in reading maps before AI or Google Maps existed. I would engrave these maps into my memory, then navigate using my experience. Occasionally, I would use Google Maps for fun and it would occasionally show me a more efficient route. However, using it once to reach an unfamiliar location led me to take the wrong exit when retracing my path without its assistance.

This incident highlights a critical flaw in learning through AI: we are not truly learning, but merely following instructions. I'm sure I use various technologies classified under the AI umbrella, yet I wish to halt the hype surrounding large language models, chatbots, and AI agents. I thank everyone who shared their thoughts with us, although some comments have been edited for clarity and brevity.