Libraries Are Buzzing with Workshops Teaching People How to Opt Out of AI

Something unexpected is happening in public libraries across the country. People are packing into classrooms, not to learn how to use the latest tech gadgets, but to figure out how to turn them off. Librarians are now hosting viral workshops called “Avoiding AI,” which teach attendees how to disable the artificial intelligence features that are increasingly baked into our everyday devices and apps. The demand for these classes is so high that they are often full, with long waitlists and even livestream options to accommodate everyone.

For example, in Philadelphia, librarian Charlie Bailey recently led an "Avoiding AI" workshop in a room designed for children’s programs. Despite the colorful alphabet rug, the twenty adults present were there for serious reasons. They pulled out their phones at Bailey’s request, not to scroll, but to follow his step-by-step instructions on disabling features like Apple Intelligence and Google Gemini. This reflects a growing frustration among users who feel AI tools are being forced into their digital lives, whether they want them or not.

These workshops start by explaining what AI chatbots and other consumer AI tools actually do, helping people understand both their potential benefits and why someone might want to avoid them. Then comes the practical part. Bailey and other librarians walk participants through popular platforms and devices, showing them exactly how to navigate settings and switch off specific AI functions. This hands-on guidance empowers people to take back control over their tech experience, offering a sense of digital autonomy.

The idea for these popular workshops began with Hannah Cyrus, a librarian in Maine. Cyrus noticed more and more patrons coming to her with questions like, "How do I turn this AI stuff off?" and "Why is it trying to write my emails for me?" Seeing a clear need, she developed her own "Avoiding AI" workshop. When she later shared her methodology in a journal article, dozens of librarians from around the world reached out, eager to replicate her success. This overwhelming response highlights a widespread, quiet discomfort with the rapid rollout of AI features.

Public libraries have long been vital community centers for information and digital literacy. In earlier times, they helped people learn how to use computers or navigate the internet. Today, they are adapting to a new challenge: helping people understand and manage AI. This development is important because it shows libraries stepping in to fill a gap where big tech companies often push new features without giving users easy ways to opt out. It emphasizes the right for individuals to choose how much AI they want in their daily lives.

This trend directly impacts how we interact with our digital world. If you feel overwhelmed by constant AI suggestions or worry about data privacy, these workshops offer a clear path to regaining control. It also signals a broader public desire for more agency over technology, moving beyond simply accepting whatever new features are rolled out. While many attendees recognize AI’s potential for good, like medical breakthroughs, their concern is primarily about the "forced adoption" of AI features and the lack of user choice.

Looking ahead, it will be interesting to see if more libraries launch similar workshops and if this grassroots movement influences how tech companies design and implement AI features. Will companies begin to offer more straightforward opt-out options, or will the push for AI integration continue to accelerate? Keep an eye on how user demand for digital autonomy evolves and whether this growing sentiment translates into changes in mainstream tech products.

If you had the chance, would you attend a workshop to learn how to turn off AI features on your devices? Why or why not?

Do you think tech companies have a responsibility to make it easier for users to opt out of AI, or should they prioritize integrating these new technologies?

#AvoidingAI

#DigitalLiteracy

#TechControl

#LibrarianPower

#UserAutonomy

#OptOut

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Filed under: BigTechDebate