Some Resist the Rise of AI, Citing Environmental Concerns and a Loss of Human Connection

While AI tools like ChatGPT surge in popularity, racking up billions of visits monthly, some individuals are pushing back against the growing influence of artificial intelligence. Concerns range from the environmental impact of energy-intensive AI systems to the potential erosion of human skills and values.

Sabine Zetteler, who runs a London-based communications agency, questions the value of AI-generated content. “Why would I bother to read something someone couldn’t be bothered to write?” she asks, expressing concern over the potential displacement of human connection and purpose. Zetteler also questions the societal impact of prioritizing profit over human employment.

Florence Achery, owner of Yoga Retreats & More, cites environmental concerns as a primary reason for avoiding AI. She highlights the significant energy consumption required to run AI data centers, a fact she believes is largely unknown.

Sierra Hansen, who works in public affairs in Seattle, worries about the impact of AI on critical thinking. “Our job as a human is to apply critical thinking skills, and if you are feeding simple tasks into ChatGPT then you’re not solving on your own,” she argues.

However, not everyone has the option to abstain from AI. Jackie Adams (not her real name), who works in digital marketing, initially resisted AI due to environmental concerns and a belief that it promoted laziness. But after colleagues began adopting AI and she was told to cut her budget, she felt pressured to follow suit. “I recently realized that if I don’t implement it into my ways of working, I’m going to get left behind,” she says.

James Brusseau, a philosophy professor specializing in AI ethics at Pace University in New York, believes the moment to opt out of AI has passed. He predicts that while humans will remain essential for decisions requiring empathy and judgment, AI will increasingly automate tasks where those qualities are deemed less important.

Despite accepting AI’s presence in the workplace, Adams expresses a sense of resignation about its growing influence. “Even when you do a Google search it includes an AI overview, while some emails have a topline summary,” she notes. “So now it almost feels like we have no control. How do I turn all that off? It’s snowballing.”