{
  "id": 16991804,
  "title": "Readers share why and how they are avoiding AI",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/29/readers-share-why-and-how-they-are-avoiding-ai",
  "topic": "ai",
  "section": "AI",
  "published": "2026-10-29T02:02:06.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "ABC News AU",
    "slug": "abc-news-au",
    "url": "https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-10-29/readers-on-why-they-are-rejecting-ai/107269014"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "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.\n\nThe 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.\n\nI 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.\n\nI 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.",
  "summary": "Readers aged 18 to 64 share the reasons they are rejecting AI after reading our story, which asked: Will you really be left behind if you avoid AI?",
  "key_points": [
    "University student blocks AI summaries with browser extensions",
    "Professional driver fears loss of independent thinking due to AI",
    "Concern over AI's environmental impact leads to objection"
  ],
  "editors_take": "Active avoidance of generative tools reflects a growing resistance to the erosion of independent thinking, environmental costs, and the loss of fundamental human skills in an increasingly automated world.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}