5 Things To Do If You Hate AI
Other than doomscrolling... also, here's a picture of a real cat.
Congratulations!
In case you didn’t know, you have free will.
This means you are not required to sit trapped in the infinite scroll, passively consuming AI slop that fills you with anger so righteous you take precious minutes of your one, short life on this Earth to tell strangers on the internet they’re soulless sellouts for using the wildly unregulated technology that suddenly appeared in the palms of our hands over the last couple years.
(Did you know that the more you watch AI content and the more you comment on those posts, your algorithm will assume you want to see MORE of them?)
But of course, the definition of free will is such that you can do that, if you really want to!
Knock yourself out.
But if you’re looking for 5 fresh, new ideas to yank yourself from the loop of self-aggrandizing virtue signaling that might give you a temporary dopamine hit but will likely spiral into a bad habit over time, check out my suggestions below.
1. Bring A Sketchbook To The Park
This is a great way to activate the parts of your brain that have slowly rotted away over the last decade of mental annihilation you’ve suffered from digital saturation.
Scientific studies actually show that drawing enhances memory, promotes the integration of different parts of your brain, and can even help you develop better communication skills.
Will your sketch be any good? Maybe. Maybe not! You’re not perfect because you’re a human being, not a machine, and that’s what this exercise is here to remind you.
Tip: Try drawing the outline of the empty spaces, instead of the objects themselves.
2. Spend $10 At Your Local Plant Nursery
Ok, if you get a latte on the way, it might be another eight bucks, but this minimal-cost, fun little field trip could help restore your sense of gratitude in the world.
You’ll be supporting a local business, and you’ll get some fresh new greenery to brighten up your home. Nothing says, “I’m alive!” than caring for another living being.
Tip: Describe what rooms/windows you have in your house to one of the employees, and let them make a suggestion about what plants might thrive in your space.
3. Leave Supportive Comments Under Artist’s Reels
Not interested in leaving the scroll behind? That’s fine!
Go to your favorite social media’s search bar and look up: “indie ceramics artists” or “small music accounts” and check out some of the stuff that different creators all over the world are making.
I guarantee your kindness and supportive comments will make their day, and it’s a good reminder that sending energy towards things you love instead of things you hate is better for everyone.
Tip: After doing this, you might even start to see a positive change in your feed!
4. Buy A Musical Instrument
If you’ve never tried to learn a musical instrument before, you might quickly realize that it’s really, really hard.
But this is exactly the act of rebellion that helps balance out the flattening of the creative, human arts that we’re all up in arms about, right now. Get your fingers raw with practice and immerse yourself in the struggle of altering your own brain chemistry with a challenge.
Tip: I know you’ve always had an inkling towards a certain instrument. A hand pan? A ukulele? A violin? Go for it! Some local libraries even have instrument rentals!
5. Call Your Mom
Unless you’ve got a contentious or unhealthy relationship with your mom, of course. In that case, call a friend! Or both, if you have time.
Your mom or your friend will serve the same purpose. You will engage in deep, meaningful conversation beyond the surface-level pleasantries of a quick check in.
You can ask what they’ve been struggling with. Even better, you can offer them help. I guarantee there’s something that your mom or your friend has been putting off (either out of procrastination or stress) and it could really make a difference if you stepped up to help.
Tip: Bring snacks as a surprise when you see them!
Bonus: Create A Map Of Your City, And Go Do Things You’ve Never Done Before
This one is an ongoing practice.
Explore neighborhoods you’ve never really spent time in. Put your phone away and keep your eyes wide open. Eat food from a place you find on the street. Watch the sunset on a block you’ve never stood on before. Take in the world, in all its stinky, bizarre glory.
That’s your right and your privilege as a human being.
P.S. The photo at the top is a nod to another AI-free activity you can check out any time. Cinema Insomnia host Mr. Lobo goes live on Twitch often, bringing you lesser-known horror movies and entertainment with a dedicated community of close-knit fans.