AI Appreciation Day: Critics Suggest Alternative Ways to Spend the Day
July 16 marks AI Appreciation Day, but tech publication Engadget criticizes the event and suggests spending time on human experiences instead of artificial intelligence.
AI Appreciation Day: Media outlet urges human-centric activities
July 16 is observed as AI Appreciation Day. The day is meant to intentionally recognize artificial intelligence as "the most consequential technology in human history." According to the official website, proper ways to celebrate include thanking people who build or maintain AI, talking to a child or skeptic about AI, signing a pledge, and putting the day on your calendar.
However, tech publication Engadget has criticized the day. In an article, the outlet suggests that AI Appreciation Day is a marketing stunt and that people should instead embrace human experiences. Engadget recommends alternative activities for July 16: support a local artist by purchasing their work, swim in a natural body of water before it is permanently affected by AI data centers, or catch up with old friends instead of burning tokens with an AI chatbot. These suggestions emphasize appreciating the tangible world rather than artificial intelligence.
