A recent report from Le Monde highlights a growing trend among young French students and professionals in their twenties who are actively rejecting generative artificial intelligence (AI) tools, calling it a form of 'digital fasting.' This group, sometimes referred to as 'AI vegetarians,' abstains from using AI technology for various ethical and personal reasons, mirroring a movement seen in other consumer choices focused on sustainability and humanity. Despite the prevalence of AI tools like Gemini, Perplexity, Grok, and OpenAI among their peers, this youthful cohort chooses instead to forgo participation, even at the risk of feeling isolated or missing out on opportunities.

The article emphasizes the paradox that many of those who deny the use of these tools acknowledge their impressive capabilities. Some individuals, like a Parisian named Benjamin, report having experimented with AI but ultimately decided to cease using it for reasons that extend beyond the technology's performance. The reluctance to engage with AI seems to stem less from concerns about its effectiveness and more from apprehension about the societal implications and the type of world these technologies are creating. As a significant portion of youth embraces these AI tools as essential for modern life, a contingent is digging in their heels, suggesting a deeper philosophical conflict about technology’s role in shaping human experiences.

Ultimately, this narrative opens up discussions about the broader implications of AI in society, particularly how emerging technologies can drive divisions among generations. It poses important questions regarding our reliance on technology and our definitions of personal and ethical responsibility in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.