"Everybody’s on Their Phone at My Program!": Navigating AI Anxiety with Charlie Bailey
“Everybody’s on their phone at my program!” joked Charlie Bailey, a librarian in South Philadelphia, as he began his engaging workshop. The atmosphere was lighthearted, yet there was a tangible undercurrent of serious concerns about technology. Bailey was set to guide his audience through disabling Apple Intelligence and Gemini, enlightening them on the intricacies of dealing with artificial intelligence tools that have increasingly infiltrated daily life.
A Vibrant Setting for Serious Topics
Bailey stood at the front of a library classroom designed for children, with a vibrant rug beneath him that reminded everyone of the alphabet. However, the 20 adults gathered were not there for a children’s literacy lesson. They were eager participants in a workshop mysteriously titled “Avoiding AI”—and no, it didn’t refer to “apple” and “igloo.”
The Genesis of "Avoiding AI"
Bailey’s decision to create this workshop stemmed from a wave of frustration he observed in his community. “I was inspired by the feeling of people’s frustration with AI tools being kind of forced onto them,” he explained. “It feels like AI tools we didn’t ask for are suddenly everywhere in our lives.” His mission was clear: to empower individuals by enhancing their digital literacy and enabling them to take control of the technologies they choose to engage with, rather than feeling overwhelmed by them.
Workshop Structure and Informative Sessions
The hour-long workshop kicked off with a comprehensive overview of AI chatbots and consumer AI tools. Bailey adeptly explained both the potential benefits of these technologies and the reasons one might choose to abstain from using them. He utilized projectors and step-by-step instructions to guide participants through the process of disabling unwanted AI features across popular platforms and devices.
“As a librarian, I think it’s crucial to empower people to reclaim their autonomy,” Bailey noted. The focus was not solely on avoiding technology but critically evaluating how it affects individual lives.
Inspiration from Fellow Librarians
The “Avoiding AI” initiative wasn’t solely Bailey’s brainchild. He was inspired by Hannah Cyrus, a librarian in Maine, who initially sparked the movement with her own workshop. Receiving inquiries about disarming AI tools notably increased after Cyrus published a journal article detailing her experience. “This has never happened before with anything I’ve worked on,” Cyrus remarked. “People were genuinely interested in how to steer away from AI—the response was overwhelming."
Rising Popularity of the Workshops
Cyrus reported that her first “Avoiding AI” workshop drew a larger crowd than her regular technology classes, leading her to open a waitlist and stream the sessions on Zoom. The interest was emblematic of a broader public anxiety concerning forced technological adoption. Similarly, Bailey experienced a surge of interest; the Philadelphia library’s social media announcement received over 2,000 likes, a stark contrast to their typical posts. His first session was so popular that he quickly scheduled a follow-up event.
Sharing Knowledge and Building Community
A communal spirit prevailed throughout the workshop, with Bailey encouraging participants to share their own tips. One attendee revealed a clever hack for Google searches that could eliminate AI-generated results. Laughter rippled through the room as they exchanged insights and personal frustrations with AI. Johnny, one of the attendees, expressed concern over AI’s omnipresence, stating, “You have to go through all the trouble to buy a home in today’s world, and two years from now, there could be a data center next to your house.”
Diverse Perspectives on AI
Gabrielle, another participant, echoed similar sentiments while simultaneously recognizing the potential benefits of AI technologies, especially in the medical field. “I’m not against AI in terms of medical breakthroughs,” she stated, highlighting the nuanced views present in the room. Attendees shared a mixture of skepticism and acceptance, interested in discussing not just what AI does but how it impacts their lives.
The Broader Implications of Technology Adoption
Both Bailey and Cyrus acknowledged that their workshops are less about outright rejection of technology and more focused on advocating for control and agency in its use. They emphasize the importance of understanding how various AI tools can impact daily life. For Cyrus, the forced incorporation of AI tools might be the tipping point for many individuals. “The awareness has been growing for a long time that these products and companies have an outsized influence over us,” she stated.
A Step Toward Digital Literacy
Bailey’s “Avoiding AI” workshop represents a significant stride toward reinforcing digital literacy and transparency regarding technological advancements. As people increasingly seek out ways to regain control over their digital experiences, initiatives like these offer not just solutions but community spaces for shared learning and mutual support. In an age where technology often feels more like an obligation than a choice, the camaraderie and exchanges of knowledge at these workshops reveal a hopeful light amid AI skepticism.