The Unexpected Tech Class: Librarians Show You How to Disable AI You Didn't Ask For

Forget learning how to use artificial intelligence. Libraries across the country are now packed with people eager to learn the exact opposite: how to turn it off. These new workshops, often called "Avoiding AI," have quickly become some of the most popular programs libraries offer, drawing unprecedented crowds.

Librarians like Charlie Bailey in South Philadelphia are leading these sessions, guiding adults through the steps to disable features like Apple Intelligence and Google Gemini on their phones. Bailey starts with an overview of how these AI tools work and then provides practical, step-by-step instructions. He explains both the potential benefits and the reasons why someone might choose to opt out.

The demand for these classes is truly remarkable. When Bailey's library announced its "Avoiding AI" event on Instagram, it received thousands of likes and hundreds of shares, far more than their usual posts. He quickly had to schedule a second session due to overwhelming interest and registrations. This viral response highlights a deep-seated desire among many people to regain control over their technology.

This surprising trend started with Hannah Cyrus, a librarian in Maine. She began offering similar workshops after noticing a steady stream of patrons asking how to turn off unwanted AI features that seemed to be appearing everywhere. Cyrus found herself answering questions like, "Why is it trying to write my emails for me?" and "How do I turn this stuff off?" Her initial workshops were so popular that she had to cap attendance and even offer them via livestream, drawing dozens of participants.

What led to this unusual movement is a growing sense of frustration among everyday tech users. Many feel that AI tools are being "forced" onto them by big tech companies, becoming default features on devices and services without explicit consent. Librarians, who often serve as community hubs for digital literacy, see these workshops as a way to empower people and help them reclaim their personal autonomy in an increasingly AI-driven world. It is not about rejecting all AI, as many attendees acknowledge the benefits of certain applications, but about having a choice.

This movement matters because it directly impacts your ability to manage your digital experience. In a time when new technology often feels inescapable, these workshops offer a clear path for individuals to make informed choices about what they allow on their devices and in their lives. It represents a quiet but powerful pushback against the automatic integration of AI and reminds us that users want more say in how technology evolves.

What happens next will depend on how widespread this grassroots movement becomes and how tech companies respond. We might see more libraries adopting similar programs, further amplifying this call for user control. It will be interesting to observe if major tech players begin offering clearer, more accessible opt-out options or if they continue with a strategy of default AI integration. Keep an eye on community-led digital literacy initiatives and any shifts in how AI features are presented to consumers.

Do you think tech companies should give users more obvious ways to opt out of AI features, or is it up to individuals to learn how to manage these settings?

As AI becomes more embedded in our daily lives, where do you draw the line between helpful innovation and unwelcome intrusion?

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Filed under: AvoidingAI, DigitalLiteracy, TechControl, UserAutonomy, LibrariansOfTikTok