# How to be an AI minimalist

> It may feel like AI is creeping into every corner of your life. Here are ways to opt out.
- Title: How to be an AI minimalist · Vox | Shortify
- Summary: It may feel like AI is creeping into every corner of your life. Here are ways to opt out. You can minimize AI in your life by turning off features in…
- Keywords: artificial intelligence, chatgpt, google, meta, apple intelligence, privacy, social media, facebook, instagram, microsoft copilot, ai resistance, technology
- Source: Vox — https://vox.com/advice/503246/ai-chatgpt-claude-slop
- Author: Adam Clark Estes
- Published: 2026-09-18T11:30:00+00:00
- Read time: 2 min
- Topics: artificial intelligence, chatgpt, google, meta, apple intelligence, privacy, social media, facebook, instagram, microsoft copilot, ai resistance, technology
## Americans are souring on AI
More than twice as many Americans distrust AI as trust it. Nearly half think it will negatively impact society.
## AI was forced on users
Untested technology was thrust upon millions who didn't ask for it. There's no clear way to turn it off.

> It's being forced on users, there's no clear way to turn it off, and it feels like this unwelcome addition to their lives
## AI is now impossible to avoid
AI has been integrated into search, email, camera apps, and social media. It's everywhere you look online.
## What generative AI actually is
Large language models ingest huge amounts of data to predict and generate text. ChatGPT and Google's AI Overviews use them.
## Your data trains AI models
AI companies scrape the open web, pirated books, and even rare print books. Wikipedia and YouTube videos become training data.
## Meta uses your photos
Meta sparked outrage in 2024 when it started using public Facebook and Instagram photos to train AI. It still does this.
## Algorithms control what you see
Recommendation algorithms power Amazon, Netflix, and Spotify. They dictate what we buy, watch, and listen to.
## You can't escape everything
It's impossible to use mainstream tech without engaging with AI. But you can minimize your exposure without going off the grid.

> You look for the spaces of agency rather than lamenting the fact that you can't escape everything
## Don't use chatbots at all
You don't have to use ChatGPT, Claude, Copilot, Google Gemini, or Apple Intelligence. Just skip them entirely.
## Turn off Apple Intelligence
The latest iPhone operating system includes AI that summarizes notifications and powers Siri. You can turn these features off.
## Google wants an intelligence system
Google Intelligence aims to make Android transition from an operating system into an intelligence system. You can opt out.
## Add dash AI to searches
Adding "-ai" to a Google search gets rid of AI Overviews and some AI content in results. It's a quick fix.
## Try privacy-focused browsers
Using a browser like DuckDuckGo might do a better job avoiding AI slop than Google does.
## Switch to chronological feeds
You can tone down algorithmic sorting by switching to chronological feeds. On Instagram, tap the logo and hit "Following."
## Make your profiles private
If you're posting publicly, assume your content trains AI models. Setting Facebook or Instagram to private keeps some data away.
## Social media is user-hostile
There's no master switch to opt out of AI features. The most straightforward way to avoid it is to stop using these apps.
## AI is just a tool
It makes sense to want control over your own tools, including the option not to use a tool if it's not right for you.

> Ultimately, I think the important thing for folks to keep in mind is that AI is just a tool
## Reclaim something real
Our need to flee from AI reflects our craving for something real. Text friends photos, call them, or put down your phone entirely.
## Key takeaway

You can minimize AI in your life by turning off features in settings, using privacy-focused browsers, making social profiles private, and choosing when to engage with AI tools.