I aim to use zero generative AI
Some programs do not indicate that something is AI-generated (or they do so in very small text). I am switching to programs that do not incorporate AI wherever possible.
Ethical considerations
Gen AI damages the environment due to the excess water and electricity used (considerably more than is needed for conventional online tools), and the amount of land used by data centres. As a Pagan, I care about the environment.
Gen AI is destroying the livelihood of artists, musicians, and writers, both by plagiarizing their work and taking their jobs. As a Pagan, I care about artists, storytelling, and music, in part because these are what kept Paganism alive for centuries.
Gen AI is responsible for the enshittification of jobs. Instead of being an expert in your field, you are now the checker of AI output.
Gen AI has been used to create child sexual abuse material, which encourages and normalizes such abuse. As a Pagan, I care about the wellbeing of children.
AI has been used to target weapons systems to kill people. As a Pagan, I’m opposed to genocide.
Minimizing AI use
So many tools now use generative AI, assistive AI, and/or AI search (e.g. Instagram) that it is difficult to completely avoid its use, but I aim to avoid using AI as much as possible.
I do not knowingly use generative AI in any form.
Search engines
I avoid search engines that use AI, or that have AI turned on by default on the results page.
Graphics
I create graphics using open-source, public domain imagery. I use public-domain photographs.
AI-generated graphics are created through plagiarizing art made by humans, so I do not use them (if I use one by accident, please call it out and I will replace it).
Text
I do not use AI to generate text content, nor to “improve” it. I recommend Harper: the only grammar-checker that does not use AI.