The abstainers: People who say no to artificial intelligence

Despite widespread corporate and industry-wide adoption of AI, a notable segment of tech workers, creatives, and small businesses are actively resisting its use, citing significant concerns regarding data privacy, accuracy, potential for errors, and the degradation of human skills. This resistance manifests through opting out of AI features, using 'not by AI' labels, and even shunning AI in business strategies, although pervasive integration makes complete avoidance increasingly challenging. While many companies push AI for productivity gains, some users report that AI tools can paradoxically create more work due to inaccuracies, raising questions about their net benefit and potentially signaling a growing market demand for human-verified and authentic content.

Analysis

The pervasive integration of Artificial Intelligence across corporate America is encountering significant resistance from a notable segment of tech workers, creatives, and small businesses. Concerns primarily revolve around data privacy, accuracy, and the potential degradation of human skills, as evidenced by a Pew Research Centre survey showing 50% of US adults are more concerned than excited about AI, up from 37% in 2021. Despite this, a 2025 Gallup survey indicates 27% of white-collar workers frequently use AI, up from 15% in 2024, highlighting a growing adoption trend alongside rising apprehension.

User experiences reveal practical challenges, with some tech workers reporting AI tools paradoxically creating more work due to inaccuracies, such as GitHub's AI-powered Copilot producing incorrect code reviews. This directly contradicts the productivity gains often cited for AI adoption. The article also notes the increasing difficulty for individuals to opt out of AI features embedded in products from companies like Google, Apple, and Microsoft, despite concerns about potential errors and the loss of critical thinking skills among junior employees.

This emerging resistance suggests a potential market for "human-made" content and services, with graphic designers and small businesses adopting "not by AI" badges as a business strategy. Furthermore, environmental concerns regarding the data centers supporting AI products, as mentioned by a software engineer, introduce an ESG dimension to AI adoption. The moderately negative sentiment (-0.6) and cautious tone signal growing scrutiny on the net benefits and ethical implications of widespread AI integration.

Key Decisions for Investors

• Investors should scrutinize the actual productivity gains versus reported inefficiencies and error rates from AI tools, particularly for companies heavily invested in AI like Microsoft.
• Evaluate the robustness of AI governance, data privacy, and ethical deployment strategies within portfolio companies, given rising public and employee concerns.
• Consider the potential for a growing market segment valuing "human-made" authenticity, which could create opportunities or risks for businesses in creative and service sectors.
• Monitor the ESG implications of AI infrastructure, specifically the environmental impact of data centers, as this factor gains prominence in investment criteria.