Aziz Ansari Embraces Analog Life, Critiques ChatGPT’s Impact

Aziz Ansari has taken a unique stance on technology, opting for a flip phone and eschewing email in favor of a more analog lifestyle. During a recent appearance on the “Good Hang with Amy Poehler” podcast, he expressed his skepticism towards artificial intelligence, particularly ChatGPT, calling it a form of “outsourcing critical thinking.”

Ansari shared that he has not used email for over a decade, relying instead on an assistant for communication. He emphasized his choice of a flip phone, which necessitates asking for directions or calling his wife when he gets lost. “If I get really lost, I’ve got to either ask people or just call my wife,” he remarked, highlighting his reliance on direct human interaction.

Living with Less Technology

The comedian believes that adopting a low-tech lifestyle provides him with mental clarity, which he finds beneficial for his creative work. He noted that prominent filmmakers like Quentin Tarantino and Christopher Nolan also thrive without smartphones, stating, “Those guys are able to get a lot of stuff done. Maybe there’s something to it.”

Ansari’s concerns about ChatGPT focus on its potential to homogenize opinions. He articulated that such technology could diminish individuality in thought processes. “It’s making everyone’s opinions kind of the same,” he said, expressing a preference for human conversation over AI-generated responses. He recalled a commercial in which a person consulted ChatGPT for cooking advice, suggesting he would rather seek human input.

In an interview with People in September 2023, Ansari acknowledged the privilege that allows him to maintain this lifestyle. “It helps me keep a clear head to help me write and do what’s more important for my job,” he stated.

Celebrity Trends Toward Analog Living

Ansari is not alone in his preference for a simpler technological existence. In July 2023, Christopher Nolan revealed that he does not use a smartphone or email, preferring to write scripts on a computer without internet access. He explained that constant connectivity would not be beneficial for his creative process.

Similarly, Dolly Parton mentioned during an October 2023 appearance on “The View” that she favors fax communication to avoid being overwhelmed by messages. “It’ll take up too much of my time if I talked to everybody who is trying to get in touch with me,” she said, reflecting a similar sentiment of wanting to limit digital distractions.

In January, actor Christopher Walken spoke to The Wall Street Journal about his minimal relationship with technology. He stated, “I only have a satellite dish on my house,” indicating a preference for traditional media over modern communication methods.

This shift toward analog living is not confined to Hollywood. A May 2023 report by Business Insider highlighted how everyday individuals are swapping smartphones for simpler devices to reduce screen time. Some members of Generation Z are even creating DIY landlines by chaining their smartphones to walls, further illustrating a growing trend toward disconnecting from constant digital engagement.

As more people contemplate their relationship with technology, Aziz Ansari’s choice to embrace an analog lifestyle serves as an intriguing perspective amid the increasing reliance on digital tools. His insights resonate with a wider audience, prompting discussions about the balance between connectivity and mental clarity in an ever-evolving digital landscape.