Librarians are hosting viral ‘Avoiding AI’ workshops for people who are fed up with Big Tech

Public libraries across the United States are responding to mounting consumer frustration with artificial intelligence by offering workshops designed to help people minimize their exposure to AI systems. These "Avoiding AI" sessions have gained significant traction on social media, reflecting a broader cultural shift in how people view algorithmic technologies and data collection practices. Librarians, traditionally positioned as information gatekeepers and public educators, are stepping into a new role: helping citizens navigate an increasingly AI-saturated digital landscape and reclaim control over their personal data.

The workshops address practical concerns that many users face daily, from algorithmic content feeds to data tracking and privacy erosion. Librarians are teaching attendees how to adjust privacy settings, use privacy-focused alternatives to mainstream platforms, and understand the mechanisms behind AI recommendation systems. This grassroots educational initiative highlights a critical gap between what tech companies promote and what consumers actually want.

• Growing consumer resistance: The viral nature of these workshops demonstrates that skepticism toward AI and Big Tech has reached mainstream audiences beyond tech critics and privacy advocates

• Trust deficit: Technology companies face a significant credibility challenge when public institutions must actively teach citizens how to avoid their products

• Market opportunity: The demand for privacy-focused tools and AI-free alternatives represents an emerging market segment that could reshape tech competition

• Regulatory implications: Widespread public concern about AI may accelerate calls for stronger regulations and transparency requirements from policymakers

• Institutional shifts: Libraries positioning themselves as AI literacy educators reframes their role in the digital age and strengthens their community relevance

These workshops represent more than individual consumer choices. They signal a fundamental tension in how society is adopting AI technology. While Silicon Valley promotes AI as inevitable progress, librarians are empowering citizens to make informed decisions about their relationship with these systems. This democratization of AI literacy, led by trusted community institutions, may prove more influential than corporate messaging in shaping how billions of people interact with artificial intelligence for years to come.