A New Kind of Library Workshop
In a children's classroom decorated with a colorful alphabet rug, a group of adults sits attentively, smartphones in hand. They are not learning to read or use a mouse for the first time; they are learning how to turn off artificial intelligence features that have been quietly embedded into their devices. This scene, repeated in libraries across the United States, is part of a growing phenomenon: librarians hosting 'Avoiding AI' workshops that have gone viral amid widespread frustration with Big Tech's relentless push of AI tools.
The workshops, pioneered by Hannah Cyrus at the Bangor Public Library in Maine and quickly adopted by Charlie Bailey in South Philadelphia, address a pressing need for digital literacy in an age where AI is increasingly unavoidable. At these sessions, attendees learn the basics of how AI chatbots and consumer AI tools work, why they might choose to use or avoid them, and, most crucially, how to disable them on popular platforms and devices. Bailey, standing on the moon-and-zebra rug, guides his audience through step-by-step instructions projected onto the screen, showing how to turn off Apple Intelligence, Google Gemini, and other integrated AI services.
Why People Are Signing Up
The demand for these workshops has been staggering. Cyrus originally expected a typical turnout for her technology classes—around a dozen people. Instead, she had to cap registration at 30, open a waitlist, and offer a Zoom livestream, ultimately reaching about 70 attendees per session for her first two workshops. Bailey saw similar enthusiasm: his library's Instagram post about the event received over 2,000 likes and 220 shares, numbers far exceeding typical engagement. He scheduled a second workshop after the first filled up quickly.
Attendees cite a range of motivations. Some are concerned about privacy, others about environmental impact, and many simply feel overwhelmed by the constant intrusion of AI into their daily lives. At Bailey's workshop, a participant named Johnny lamented the difficulty of buying a home in today's market, only to face the prospect of a data center being built next door. Another, Gabrielle, said she feels like AI is being 'shoved down her throat' at work, though she acknowledges its potential for medical breakthroughs. These sentiments echo a broader skepticism that librarians are uniquely positioned to address.
The Role of Librarians as Digital Guides
Librarians have long been trusted intermediaries between complex technology and the public. From teaching basic computer skills to navigating online databases, they help people build digital literacy. The 'Avoiding AI' workshops are a natural extension of this role. Hannah Cyrus noted that more patrons were asking how to disable AI features that seemed to appear without consent—like automatic email summarization or recommendation algorithms—prompting her to develop the curriculum. She explains that the workshops aim to give people back agency over their devices.
Charlie Bailey, who learned about Cyrus's work through a journal article and reached out for guidance, sees the workshops as part of a larger movement toward reclaiming autonomy. 'It's important, especially when it can be so difficult not to use them, and when the design seems to force adoption,' he said. The camaraderie among attendees is palpable; during one session, a participant shared a tip for hiding AI results in Google Search by appending &udm=14 to the URL. Bailey wrote it on a whiteboard next to the Wi-Fi login credentials, symbolizing the transfer of practical knowledge from one frustrated user to another.
Beyond the Workshop: The Broader Context
The popularity of these workshops reflects a growing public pushback against the tech industry's top-down approach to AI integration. For years, consumers have watched as companies like Apple, Google, and Microsoft embed AI into operating systems, search engines, and productivity tools, often with limited opt-out options. Critics argue that this 'forced adoption' prioritizes corporate data collection and user lock-in over genuine user choice. The 'Avoiding AI' movement is not about rejecting technology wholesale—many participants acknowledge the value of AI in fields like medicine, scientific research, or accessibility tools—but about demanding the right to choose when and how to use it.
This tension is not new. Similar debates surrounded the rise of social media, smart speakers, and targeted advertising. However, the speed and ubiquity of AI deployment have accelerated concerns. In the business world, companies are grappling with how to integrate AI without alienating employees or customers. Some have opted for transparency and customizable settings, while others push full integration. The librarians' workshops serve as a grassroots counterbalance, equipping individuals with the skills to navigate a landscape where they often feel powerless.
How the Workshops Work
Each 'Avoiding AI' session typically runs for one hour. It begins with a primer on the underlying technology—explaining large language models, machine learning, and the data implications of AI interactions. Bailey and Cyrus emphasize that this is not a technophobic rant but a balanced look at both benefits and drawbacks. Then comes the practical portion: attendees follow along on their own devices as the instructor demonstrates how to turn off AI features on iPhones (disabling Apple Intelligence), Android phones (turning off Gemini), Google Search (hiding AI overviews), Microsoft Office (opting out of Copilot), and web browsers (blocking AI-powered extensions). The workshops also cover privacy settings for smart home devices and social media platforms.
The hands-on approach is critical. Many attendees come with specific frustrations—an AI assistant that keeps interrupting, a search engine that insists on summarizing results, or a photo app that automatically edits images. By walking through the steps together, the librarians demystify what can feel like an opaque system. They also encourage sharing of tips, creating a collaborative atmosphere that contrasts with the solitary experience of wrestling with technology alone.
Challenges and Limitations
Despite the enthusiasm, the workshops face hurdles. Not all AI features can be fully disabled; some are deeply integrated into hardware or operating systems. For example, Apple Intelligence on the iPhone 15 Pro and later models requires specific steps to turn off, but some background AI processing may persist. Similarly, Google Assistant on Android devices cannot be permanently removed, only deactivated. The instructors are transparent about these limitations, advising attendees to make the best choices within their device ecosystems and to consider alternative, privacy-focused operating systems or apps when possible.
Another challenge is the dynamic nature of technology. As companies push updates, new AI features can re-enable themselves or appear in unexpected places. Cyrus and Bailey encourage attendees to stay vigilant and to revisit settings periodically. They also maintain online resources and update their curriculum as needed. This ongoing support underscores the library's role as a community anchor in a fast-changing digital world.
The Future of the Movement
The viral success of the 'Avoiding AI' workshops suggests that the appetite for this kind of education is only growing. Other librarians have contacted Cyrus and Bailey for guidance on starting their own programs, and there is talk of creating a standardized toolkit or online course that libraries nationwide can adopt. Some attendees have even asked for advanced sessions covering topics like data deletion, alternative search engines, and open-source AI tools.
At the same time, the rise of these workshops highlights a broader cultural shift. People are increasingly aware that the devices they rely on are not neutral tools but products of corporate design that shape behavior and collect data. The desire to opt out is not just about discomfort with AI—it is about asserting control over one's digital life. As Hannah Cyrus put it, 'The forced adoption of AI on people's devices might be the straw that's breaking the camel's back.' The workshops provide a practical outlet for that frustration, turning passive resentment into active, informed action.
In a world where technology is everywhere, the library has become an unlikely frontline for digital resistance. The 'Avoiding AI' workshops are more than a how-to guide; they are a statement that users, not corporations, should decide the role of artificial intelligence in everyday life. And as long as Big Tech continues to push AI into every corner of the digital landscape, there will be a need for librarians—and communities—to show people how to push back.
Source:TechCrunch News