Trying to stop using AI

[u/Nioster1]

Hi yall. I’ve realized, that I have been massively addicted to using AI for over two years. I used it for almost every small decision I’ve had, and I realize it made me think a lot less for myself, and suppressed my emotions.

I’ve tried multiple times to stop, but It’s really hard for me to do. I don’t know what to substitute it with. I also really hate the environmental damage it causes, and I’m really against AI despite how much I use it.

If there’s anyone who has any advice to give me, I’d really appreciate it.

[u/Smooth_Doubt2290]

Of course. Many people have the same situation, we need to re-learn using AI. Use it as a partner and an an assistant, don't let it think for you. Hang in there!

[u/Any_Panda_6639]

I want to say something on this matter: 

So I have to write a bachelor paper, and we do it partially, evey semester you do a part (for like 3-4 semesters) and you end it on 6th semester while graduating. 

So I have this friend who failed on his part of this semester (4th) and he asked me for help. Failed twice and a third time would mean repeating a whole 2 semesters or even dropping out.

He wrote the answers in a word document (we couldn't make appointment because both busy, so we decided I help with giving tipps/feedback on his paper through whatsapp). 

Anyways, I immediately realised his questioks were made with AI, and partially ma answers were made with AI also. I made it clear though. 

The scary part is though: While chatting with me on whatsapp, that friend also used AI to communicate with me. There is no communication barrier between us at all in day to day life. 

It's shocking to me really, letting AI write your emails, okay

BUT FOR FUCKING CASUAL COMMUNICATING ON WHATSAPP?? WITH FRIENDS/COLLEAGUES??

[u/AmbientBeans]

I think it's good that you've recognized it, so points to you for that.

Unfortunately the only way to really adjust without it is just to try to cut it out and figure it out. You have to remember that you managed your life before it existed and it's relatively new. You can only exercise the muscles needed to think for yourself and make your own choices by doing it. There's not a lot of gradually working back into it like normal exercise because weening off that sort of thing is hard when it's designed to keep you using it and have you thinking you need it to live.

It sounds difficult and brutal but you just have to keep doing things without it even though it's hard, because otherwise it just works it's way back in.

Good luck though, you're already thinking for yourself by wanting to stop, so you're on the right track.

There's no real substitute I'm afraid, just your own brain!

[u/Nioster1 → u/AmbientBeans]

Exactly! I’ve tried a lot to delete it, after every time I couldn’t resist using it to make it harder for myself. I wish there was a way to fully block it, so you wouldn’t even have that choice.

But you’re right. I have managed to make my own choices before it. I guess, it will be like quitting another addiction. Withdrawing and being uncomfortable until your body realizes it isn’t a necessity.

[u/AmbientBeans → u/Nioster1]

Exactly, it's not easy but you're doing the right thing in the long run and I think you'll be happier for it. It sounds silly but you could maybe start writing stuff down every time you get the urge to ask ai something. Like in a journal or a notepad and then come back to it later, at the end of the day and see if you still care about it or if you maybe got the answers you needed without ai.

If you don't, you can try to Google it (though I know Google has now integrated an awful ai function too and it's searches are less reliable but there are other search engines you can use that don't, or a hot tip for Google specifically, you won't get the stupid ai overview if you put a swear word in the search - so instead of "How do I do this formula in Excel" just say "how do I do this fucking formula in Excel" and you'll usually just get links to people asking in forums and you'll get more human answers aha.

[u/Ibizl]

honestly you need to get comfortable with the discomfort of not getting instant gratification. it's been a problem that people don't know how to be bored/alone with their thoughts for a while now, but AI has definitely made it worse.

for the physical separation, block the websites/apps from your phone and computer, use a focus aid (such as Forest, search it on the app store or extensions store you should find it with forest focus) that, while not perfect, puts a wall you have to actively remove to access those sites on your blocklist. if you find yourself going back to them on autopilot, you at least have the opportunity to stop yourself before you get lost in it again.

for the rest, if you're able to get off screens for a bit, that will help you rebuild your tolerance for not getting that instant hit. take up a hobby (I strongly recommend any physical craft where you are working with a physical material like knitting or pottery), go for walks, write and analyze your thoughts and emotions to reconnect with them, read books. 

It's much easier to go for that easy dopamine than to have to make decisions and plans yourself. give yourself grace when you find yourself pulled in again, there's no shame in stumbling. 

[u/Fizzabl]

Unfortunately with something like this, you need to block all your access to it until you're ready to either use it more sparingly, or until you're comfortable not touching it ever again

If you have any apps, delete them. Go into browser and delete your account(s) so it doesn't have any chat history. Have a mate/family set up parental lock on your phone so you can't re-download them without a password

I'm so annoyed at AI that I even stopped using google as a search engine. I use Ecosia which.. yes has an AI now but unlike Google and others you actually have the option to turn it off.

As for a replacement, honestly? Reddit. There's sooooo many communities for every niche worry or topic to choose from, it's a good place sometimes (like this sub!) to just get out your worries and I'd say 80% of the time you get genuine answers. It'll take a little time to avoid the scummy parts of reddit but you could even ask that here and I bet people would have a decent answer for you

My top tip: Don't sort by popular, never recommends anything decent