At a time when artificial intelligence is being woven into everything from search results to hiring decisions, a quiet rebellion is taking root — inside the country’s public libraries. “Avoiding AI” workshops, hosted by librarians from small towns to major cities, have erupted in popularity, with waiting lists growing so long that some branches are adding overflow sessions. The message is simple: you do not have to use AI. And thousands of people are desperate to hear it.
Why ‘Avoiding AI’ workshops are striking a nerve
The workshops are not about Luddism or deleting every app. They are about agency. Participants learn how to opt out of AI-recommended content, use search engines without algorithmic filtering, find offline maps, and reclaim control over their digital lives. One librarian told a local news outlet that attendees often say they feel “manipulated” by Big Tech in ways they cannot articulate. Now they have a place to learn the counter-skills.
What happens inside a virtual or physical session
Each workshop is structured around practical, repeatable actions. In a typical session, a librarian walks a group through how to disable AI assistants on phones, choose alternative browsers that do not track behaviour, and locate community resources — health clinics, food banks, job listings — without relying on AI-generated summaries. The tone is non-judgmental, librarians stress; it is about giving people a choice, not shaming them for using ChatGPT.
Who is showing up — and why now
The demographic is surprisingly wide. Retirees worried about privacy. Parents concerned about their children’s screen habits. Young professionals exhausted by notifications and algorithmic feeds. A common thread: they feel a loss of control. “I just want to search the web like I did in 2010,” one attendee reportedly said. The workshops offer a kind of digital slow-living, but with a very real-world escape route.
The librarian as tech-guidance counsellor
Librarians have long been trusted navigators of information. Now they are becoming guides to information avoidance — a role few anticipated. Many report that they are overwhelmed by demand but also energised. “We are not anti-technology,” one librarian told a regional paper. “We are pro-intentionality.” The workshops are often free, funded by library budgets or small grants, making them accessible to everyone regardless of income.
What this says about the AI backlash
While corporate giants race to embed AI into every product, the ‘Avoiding AI’ phenomenon suggests a significant segment of the population is not merely indifferent but actively resistant. This is not a fringe movement. It is a mainstream response to a technology many feel has been imposed without consent. The viral nature of the workshops indicates that frustration is widespread and that libraries — traditionally neutral, trusted spaces — are becoming the natural ground for this conversation.
Confirmed facts vs what remains unclear
What is confirmed: multiple libraries across the US have reported unprecedented demand for these workshops; some have created waiting lists; librarians have publicly shared their surprise at the turnout. What remains unclear: whether the workshops are part of a formal national campaign or independent local initiatives; exact attendance numbers; and whether similar movements are emerging in other countries.
Risks and balanced view
Critics argue that ‘Avoiding AI’ workshops risk oversimplifying a complex reality — AI is already embedded in many tools, from spell-check to email filters, and complete avoidance may be impractical or performative. Some librarians themselves caution that the goal should be informed use, not wholesale rejection. The workshops also raise questions about digital equity: those who can afford to opt out may be different from those who benefit from AI-powered assistance.
Wider trend: the analog backlash
The workshops mirror a larger cultural shift — the rise of “dumb phones,” digital detox retreats, and the push for AI transparency regulation. From Europe’s AI Act to grassroots campaigns against algorithmic recommendation systems, citizens are demanding boundaries. Libraries, as community anchors, are perfectly positioned to host this reckoning. The ‘Avoiding AI’ workshop is just the latest, and perhaps most practical, expression of that desire.
Practical reader guidance
If you want to attend an ‘Avoiding AI’ workshop, check your local library’s event calendar or call the reference desk. If none exists, many librarians are willing to start one if there is interest. In the meantime, you can explore simple steps: turn off AI features in your phone’s settings, switch to a search engine like DuckDuckGo, and use a paper map for local navigation. Small changes, big difference in how you feel.
Future outlook
Given the surge in demand, it is likely that more libraries will adopt the workshop format within the next year. Some librarians have already begun creating digital toolkits that can be shared nationwide. There is also talk of annual “digital awareness weeks.” The trend shows no sign of slowing — if anything, as AI becomes more invisible and pervasive, the desire to see it, name it, and step away from it will only grow.
Our Take
The ‘Avoiding AI’ workshops are not a technophobic tantrum. They are a symptom of a deeper democratic deficit — people feel they have lost control over the tools that shape their daily lives. Libraries, by offering a non-commercial, low-stakes space to explore that feeling, are performing a quiet act of civic repair. Whether you attend or not, the message is worth hearing: you can choose. And that choice itself is increasingly precious.
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly is an ‘Avoiding AI’ workshop?
It is a library-led session that teaches practical skills to reduce reliance on artificial intelligence in everyday tasks — like searching the web, navigating, and managing notifications. No technical background needed.
Are these workshops anti-technology?
No. Librarians emphasise they are pro-intentionality. The goal is to help people make informed choices about when and how to use AI, not to abandon technology entirely.
How can I find one near me?
Contact your local public library and ask if they offer a workshop or are planning one. Many libraries are open to starting one if enough people express interest.
Do I need to attend in person?
Most workshops are held in person at the library, but some libraries have offered virtual versions. Check your library’s schedule for details.
