Librarians are hosting viral ‘Avoiding AI’ workshops for people who are fed up with Big Tech. These sessions, led by librarians like Charlie Bailey in South Philadelphia, aim to help participants disable AI tools such as Apple Intelligence and Gemini. The workshops have gained traction as more people express frustration with AI being integrated into their daily lives without their consent.

The movement began after a journal article published by Cyrus sparked widespread interest. Bailey, who organizes one such workshop, described the growing demand for these sessions, noting that the first event had to be limited to 30 people due to high interest. The workshops have since expanded to include online participants, with each session drawing around 70 attendees.

The popularity of these workshops has been reflected in social media engagement. A single Instagram post about one of the events received over 2,000 likes and 220 shares, far exceeding the usual engagement for the library’s posts. This indicates a strong public interest in learning how to manage and avoid AI tools.

The rise of these workshops highlights a growing concern about the increasing presence of AI in everyday life. As more people seek to understand and control their digital environments, the demand for such educational initiatives is likely to continue. This trend also raises questions about the role of technology companies in shaping user experiences and the need for greater transparency in AI deployment.

The movement is still developing, with more workshops planned and interest continuing to grow. As the workshops expand, they may influence broader discussions about digital literacy and the ethical implications of AI integration. This could lead to increased public awareness and potentially impact how technology companies approach user consent and AI deployment.