Three Ways People See the Same Tool
Artificial Intelligence has moved from science fiction into everyday life, and with that shift has come a wide range of reactions—especially among people who think seriously about preparedness. Some welcome it, some avoid it, and others see it as something far darker. All three perspectives exist in the preparedness community, and all three deserve to be understood.
Perspective One: “I’d Rather Not Use AI—and That’s Okay”
The first group consists of people who simply prefer not to use AI. They may value hands-on skills, offline tools, or human judgment over automation. For many preppers, this mindset aligns naturally with self-reliance and simplicity.
This position doesn’t require fear or hostility toward technology. It’s a preference—much like choosing a paper map over GPS or a hand tool over a powered one. Preparedness has always allowed room for personal choice, and avoiding AI is a valid one.
Perspective Two: “AI Could Go Wrong—So We Should Prepare”
The second group believes AI could become dangerous if misused, poorly governed, or allowed to operate without meaningful human oversight. They may worry about economic disruption, surveillance, or loss of control.
From a prepper standpoint, this is a familiar position. Preparing for worst-case scenarios—even ones we hope never happen—is foundational to readiness. You don’t have to believe disaster is inevitable to prepare responsibly.
Perspective Three: “AI as a Deliberate Evil”
A smaller but vocal group believes AI is not just risky, but intentionally malevolent—sometimes described in spiritual or apocalyptic terms. While not everyone shares this view, it exists, and dismissing it outright often shuts down meaningful discussion.
One defensible response to this concern is knowledge. If something truly dangerous were ever to emerge, understanding how it works would be more useful than ignorance. Preparation begins with awareness, not denial.
Surprising Places You’re Already Using AI
Many people who say they “don’t use AI” already do—often without realizing it. Spell checkers, email spam filters, photo enhancements, navigation apps, and recommendation systems all rely on forms of artificial intelligence.
These systems are not large language models, but they are still AI. Recognizing this can help lower the temperature of the conversation and reframe AI as a tool category rather than a single ominous invention.
The Prepper Reality: AI Won’t Be There When Things Are Truly Bad
In a genuine preparedness scenario—extended power loss, grid failure, or infrastructure disruption—AI systems will likely be unavailable. Most depend on electricity, connectivity, and centralized computing.
The power is probably going to be out; communication is going to be down; servers across the world will spin silent; data will dry up; and any devices that may still be able to be powered locally won't connect.
This doesn’t make AI useless; it simply defines its role. Like the cloud, AI is a convenience during normal times, not a replacement for offline skills, paper references, or practiced judgment when systems go down.
Great Plains Context
In the Great Plains, resilience has always meant adaptability. Weather shifts fast. Infrastructure can be sparse. Communities rely on both modern tools and old knowledge. AI fits into that tradition only as an optional layer—not a foundation.
Quick Action Checklist
- Decide where you personally stand on AI—use, avoidance, or cautious study
- Learn enough to understand what AI can and cannot do
- Ensure critical plans and knowledge exist offline
- Avoid dependence on any system you cannot operate without power or connectivity
By the way--wherever you end up, I respect. I personally don't believe that AI is evil, will take over the world, or is the anti-Christ. If you do--I'm really okay by that. I might be wrong... you might be right.
Preparedness has always been about thoughtful choices, not forced conformity. AI is no different. Whether you embrace it, avoid it, or study it cautiously, the key is to act intentionally—not reactively.
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