AI, Responsibility, & Real Connection

In this solo episode, I explore the rapidly shifting AI landscape. I share why opt‑out (vs. opt-in) AI concerns me, potential environmental and creative harms, and how unchecked reliance on AI can weaken our critical thinking. I also offer an honest look at the ways I do use AI, along with simple practices to help you stay grounded, thoughtful, and human in an AI‑driven world.

In this episode:

• The current AI landscape and why “opt‑out” matters
• Environmental impacts of large‑scale AI use
• How AI affects critical thinking
• Harms to writers, musicians, and other creatives
• What I personally use AI for
• Four questions to ask before using AI
• Three simple ways to reduce AI use without losing convenience
• Why human connection matters more than ever

Links mentioned:

• The web browser I use: https://noai.duckduckgo.com/
• Articles:
  • https://unric.org/en/ais-environmental-costs-threaten-water-land-and-climate/
  • https://www.sciencetimes.com/articles/61285/20260209/water-shortage-crisis-are-we-running-out-fresh-water-global-data-reveals-truth.htm
  • https://www.forbes.com/sites/maryroeloffs/2026/08/17/ai-companies-are-buying-and-destroying-antique-books-heres-why/
  • https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2026/03/16/love-in-the-time-of-ai-companions (Print edition article "Sweet Nothings" by Anna Wiener)
• My children's book with illustrations by Kim Gatto: https://a.co/d/03Wlkfqa

Connect with me:

• Website: https://suzannesearcyjohnson.com/
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