Libraries host “Avoiding AI” workshops as demand grows

In short: Libraries are seeing strong interest in “Avoiding AI” workshops that teach people how to understand and disable AI features on common devices.

What's going on

Librarians in different parts of the US are hosting classes for people who feel tired of AI features showing up in their phones, email, and search tools. The workshops are often called “Avoiding AI,” and they focus on practical steps, like turning off Apple Intelligence and Google’s Gemini features.

In South Philadelphia, librarian Charlie Bailey told TechCrunch he created the workshop after hearing frustration from people who felt AI tools were being pushed on them. He starts by explaining, in simple terms, how AI chatbots work, then he shows step-by-step instructions on a projector so attendees can change settings on their own devices. Think of it like a basic “home maintenance” class, but for your phone and apps.

The idea spread after a Maine librarian, Hannah Cyrus, published a journal article about building a similar workshop. Cyrus said her library usually gets about a dozen people for computer classes, but her first Avoiding AI session hit a 30-person cap, added a waitlist, and also streamed on Zoom. Including the livestream, about 70 people attended each of her first two workshops.

Bailey’s event in Philadelphia also drew unusual attention online. A library Instagram post about the workshop received more than 2,000 likes and 220 shares, far above the library’s typical engagement, and a second session was scheduled due to high registration.

What to watch

More libraries may copy the format as more devices add built-in AI tools by default. The next question is whether tech companies make it easier to opt out, or whether people will keep needing “how to turn it off” classes to stay in control.

Source: TechCrunch AI