The people refusing to use AI

Nothing has convinced Sabine Zetteler of the value of using AI.

"I read a really great phrase recently that said something along the lines of 'why would I bother to read something someone couldn't be bothered to write' and that is such a powerful statement and one that aligns absolutely with my views."

Ms Zetteler runs her own London-based communications agency, with around 10 staff, some full-time some part-time.

"What's the point of sending something we didn't write, reading a newspaper written by bots, listening to a song created by AI, or me making a bit more money by sacking my who has four kids?

"Where's the joy, love or aspirational betterment even just for me as a founder in that? It means nothing to me," she says.

Ms Zetteler is among those resisting the AI invasion, which really got going with the launch of ChatGPT at the end of 2022.

Since then the service, and its many rivals have become wildly popular. ChatGPT is racking up over five billion visits a month, according to software firm Semrush.

But training AI systems like ChatGPT requires huge amounts of energy and, once trained, keeping them running is also energy intensive.

While it's difficult to quantify the electricity used by AI, a report by Goldman Sachs estimated that a ChatGPT query uses nearly 10 times as much electricity as a Google search query.

That makes some people uncomfortable.

For Florence Achery, owner of Yoga Retreats & More, the environmental impact is one reason why she vows to stay away from AI.

"My initial reaction was that AI is soulless and is a contradiction with my business, which is all about human connection," says Achery, based in London.

"However, I found out that the environmental impact was awful with all the energy consumption required to run the data centres. I don't think that people are aware of that."

While Ms Zetteler its she respects AI for all the social good it can achieve, she says she's concerned about the wider impact on society.

"I'm happy that AI exists for blind people if they can have articles translated by AI and anything that is truly beneficial. But in general, I don't think it will benefit us long-term."

Is she worried it might have a knock-on effect on her business, especially if rival companies are using AI?

"Like everything, I could save money by sending our agency to Milan on EasyJet flights rather than the train.

"Already my profit margins look unsuccessful if that's how you measure success, but how about if you measure success by how much you're contributing to society and how well you sleep":[]}