Is AI Getting Out of Hand?

We’ve come a long way since the days when Artificial Intelligence felt like a far-off sci-fi concept. Now, it’s in our homes, our pockets, and most recently, in almost every corner of our daily communications. Whether you’re texting a friend, hopping on a Zoom call, or sending an email, chances are that AI is involved. And the real question is: Have we gone too far?

AI Is Everywhere

Let’s start with the obvious: voice assistants, predictive text, spam filters, smart replies. These are all powered by AI and have become so ingrained in our habits that we barely notice them anymore. But more recently, AI integration has taken a leap.

• Video Conferencing Tools like Zoom, Google Meet, and Microsoft Teams now offer features like real-time transcription, smart background blur, automatic lighting correction, and AI-powered meeting summaries.
• Messaging Apps like iMessage, WhatsApp, and even Gmail use AI to suggest replies, predict what you’re typing next, and flag certain keywords.
• Smartphones and Operating Systems now analyze how you use your device to suggest apps, generate to-do lists, and even automate your daily schedule—without you ever asking.
• Background Monitoring on apps like Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok includes AI-driven tracking of your behavior to serve content and ads tailored to you. Even the camera on your phone uses AI to determine the “best” lighting or framing for your selfies.

What’s the Concern?

For many, this level of AI involvement crosses the line from helpful to creepy. The idea that your video call is being transcribed in real time—or that your phone “knows” what you’re about to text—can feel invasive. And the bigger concern? You often don’t even know it’s happening.

Here’s what people are worried about:

• Privacy: AI tools often analyze your conversations, location, or browsing history to “optimize” your experience. But at what cost?
• Consent: Most features are turned on by default, buried under layers of settings, making it difficult for the average user to opt out.
• Accuracy: AI transcription tools and predictive technologies aren’t always accurate, which can lead to misunderstandings, errors, or misinterpretation of what you’re trying to communicate.
• Dependency: The more AI does for us, the less we do for ourselves. From writing emails to remembering meetings, are we losing certain skills?

How to Take Back Control

If all of this feels like too much, the good news is that you still have options. While not every app or platform makes it easy, here are some general steps you can take to reduce AI’s hold on your digital life:

1. Disable Smart Features in Messaging Apps

• In Gmail, go to Settings > General and disable “Smart Compose” and “Smart Reply.”
• In iMessage, you can turn off predictive text under Settings > General > Keyboard and toggle off Predictive.

2. Turn Off AI Enhancements in Video Calls

• In Zoom: Go to Settings > Meeting > In Meeting (Advanced) and turn off features like “Meeting Summary” and “AI Companion.”
• In Microsoft Teams: Navigate to Settings > Privacy and disable real-time transcription and AI note-taking if available.

3. Limit Background Data Tracking

• On iPhone: Go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Tracking and turn off tracking for all or specific apps.
• On Android: Navigate to Settings > Privacy and manage permissions for AI-enhanced features and data tracking.

4. Review App Permissions Regularly

Apps update their AI features more often than you think. Set a reminder once a month to go through your apps and check what permissions they’ve gained or regained since you last looked.

5. Use Privacy-Centered Alternatives

• Use browsers like Brave or Firefox instead of Google Chrome.
• Try privacy-focused messaging apps like Signal over WhatsApp or Facebook Messenger.
• Use AI tools that put transparency and user control first, or at least clearly label what’s AI and what’s not.

So… Is AI Getting Out of Hand?

That depends on how comfortable you are with it being a constant companion in your digital life. For some, AI’s integration feels like a natural progression, a helpful assistant to make life easier. But for others, it’s a silent overstep, especially when transparency and choice are lacking.

As with any new wave of technology, the key lies in balance and awareness. Know what tools are active, decide what you’re comfortable with, and never be afraid to dig into your settings and take back control. After all, the smartest technology is the kind you can trust.