Librarians Launch Viral ‘Avoiding AI’ Workshops to Help Those Fed Up with Big Tech
Librarians are offering popular ‘Avoiding AI’ workshops catering to individuals who are wary of the omnipresence of technology in their lives. Charlie Bailey, a librarian from South Philadelphia, runs sessions at local libraries where he instructs attendees on how to disable various AI features on their devices. At one such workshop, Bailey humorously noted the prevalence of smartphones in the room, suggesting that the participants were indeed very much engrossed in technology.
Bailey’s motivation stemmed from recognizing the growing frustration among patrons regarding the unsolicited presence of AI tools in their everyday lives. His workshop aims to empower participants, enhancing their digital literacy and granting them control over whether they engage with AI technologies.
The concept for these workshops originated from a similar initiative launched by Hannah Cyrus, a Maine librarian. Following the publication of her journal article detailing her experiences, Cyrus was flooded with requests for resources to duplicate her workshop format, reflecting a widespread desire to understand and manage AI technology’s impacts.
Cyrus mentioned that previously, her technology workshops attracted around a dozen participants. However, her first ‘Avoiding AI’ session drew enormous interest, leading to full bookings and waitlists, with nearly 70 participants joining through livestream. This surge in attendance illustrates a significant shift in public interest regarding AI technology.
When Bailey emulated Cyrus’ workshop concept in Philadelphia, he also experienced overwhelming demand. The library’s social media posts promoting the workshop garnered thousands of likes and shares, a testament to the community’s desire for knowledge and control over AI.
Participants of the workshops engage in discussions, sharing personal experiences and frustrations related to AI, signalling a sense of community among like-minded individuals. Diverse opinions emerge on the topic; some attendees express skepticism towards AI’s utility, while others see its potential benefits in areas like healthcare.
Cyrus encapsulated the essence of the movement around these workshops: the necessity for greater autonomy and awareness among users confronting pervasive technology. Both librarians aim not to dismiss technology, but rather advocate for an informed and voluntary interaction with it, marking a shift in how society perceives and engages with rapidly progressing AI tools.
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