Seattle readers wrestle with AI's promise and risks
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Illustration: Sarah Grillo/Axios. Stock image: Getty Images
Earlier this month we asked you, our dear readers, where you stand on AI — whether you use it daily, avoid it or fall somewhere in between.
Why it matters: As artificial intelligence becomes embedded in everything from search engines to workplaces, how people feel about it will shape how — and how fast — it becomes part of everyday life.
- We got many passionate responses — so many that we couldn't include them all — but here are a few that represented the spectrum of opinion.
What they're saying: Some readers said they avoid it completely.
- "AI makes my skin crawl — NO, thank you," wrote Niamh N.
- Ann L. called AI "an extremely dangerous science experiment," adding: "It's terrifying."
- Bob N. expressed deep skepticism about who's driving AI's development. "It got into the hands of people that have no morals," he wrote.
- "Sworn it off entirely. It is trashing the environment and ruining my children's job prospects," wrote Kristy R., who works in the solar industry.
Even among those who don't use it much, anxiety about what's coming next is hard to ignore.
- "I don't have much use for AI in my job so far," said Drew B. "However I fear… if I haven't become a power user, I might be replaced by someone who is."
Others described using AI cautiously — or feeling like they're using it whether they intend to or not.
- "I think I use AI every day whether I want to or not," wrote Denise H. "Every time I 'google' something… I think I get AI'd."
- "It is a part of most search engines and I have to choose to ignore it when it offers recommendations," Wakefield S. wrote.
Some are still figuring it out.
- David L. said he uses it primarily as "a research tool," adding: "I'm sure I'm not using its full potential."
- Erin K. described herself as a learning believer: "I believe in the power of AI… and use it daily," she wrote. "But I do not desire to have every part of my life connected to AI."
The other side: Many readers are embracing AI as a useful — even essential — tool.
- "I use AI daily for a large variety of queries," said Ron L., who uses it for everything from personal research to complex projects. "The $200 annual subscription price is the best value for entertainment, curiosity, and serious work."
- "I use it daily for my job… It seems unavoidable to a certain degree," wrote Kristi R. "I see it as a super helpful tool… though I'm concerned about long-term integration."
What you're watching: Some readers are opting out. Others are leaning in. Many are somewhere in between — trying to learn, adapt and set boundaries as the technology evolves.
- "It's complicated," as Denise H. put it.