Exploring AI Veganism: Ethical, Environmental, and Health Concerns in Tech Adoption

In the evolving discourse surrounding artificial intelligence (AI), a novel term has emerged: "AI veganism." This concept draws parallels between individuals who abstain from AI technologies due to ethical, environmental, and health concerns and those who avoid animal products for similar reasons. This analogy prompts a deeper examination of the motivations behind AI hesitancy and its implications for technology adoption in society.

The term "AI veganism" reflects a growing movement among certain demographics, particularly younger individuals, who resist embracing AI due to their ethical reservations. According to Dr. David Joyner, Associate Dean and Senior Research Associate at the Georgia Institute of Technology, the hesitance towards AI is not merely a phase but a reflection of significant ethical concerns about the treatment of content creators. He notes, "Many individuals, especially content creators, are increasingly wary of AI systems that utilize their work without consent or compensation," citing recent strikes by the Writers Guild of America and Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists as pivotal events highlighting these issues (Joyner, 2025).

Ethical concerns, often at the forefront of veganism, mirror those evident in the AI debate. A study conducted by researchers at the University of Cambridge found that awareness of the lack of consent among content creators leads to increased reluctance to use AI technologies (Cambridge University, 2025). This ethical aversion is compounded by the increasing visibility of algorithmic biases and the potential for exploitation of creative works in AI training datasets.

Environmental considerations also play a crucial role in the discussion of AI veganism. Similar to the environmental impacts associated with animal agriculture, the computational demands of AI technologies are significant. Research published in the Journal of Sustainable Computing indicates that the energy consumption of AI systems is growing at an alarming rate, with traditional efficiency improvements failing to mitigate overall power usage due to a rebound effect (Shin et al., 2025). This has led to concerns among environmentally conscious individuals, particularly students, who are opting out of AI usage due to the substantial resources it consumes (Cambridge University, 2025).

Moreover, health implications are a third layer of this evolving narrative. While vegans often cite health risks associated with consuming animal products, similar worries are surfacing in the context of AI. A Microsoft Research study revealed that frequent users of generative AI displayed a decline in critical thinking abilities, a finding echoed by the Cambridge survey where students expressed concerns over the potential for AI to foster laziness (Microsoft Research, 2025). Such findings provoke a broader dialogue about the mental health consequences tied to reliance on AI technologies.

As society navigates these complex issues, the potential for a dedicated industry catering to "AI vegans" may emerge. Just as veganism has cultivated niche markets for specialized products and services, companies might increasingly leverage an absence of AI as a unique selling point, positioning themselves as alternatives to AI-dominated industries. This shift could parallel the success of privacy-centric platforms like DuckDuckGo and Mozilla, which have gained traction by emphasizing user privacy over algorithmic tracking.

AI veganism may represent a pivotal moment in technology adoption, as the cultural, ethical, and environmental consequences of AI use shape public perception and consumer behavior. While only a small fraction of the population currently identifies as "AI vegan," the persistence of this movement could indicate a significant shift in how society interacts with emerging technologies. The implications for business, education, and social dynamics are profound, suggesting that the future of AI may not only hinge on technological advancements but also on the ethical frameworks guiding its adoption.

In conclusion, the concept of AI veganism underscores the necessity for critical discourse surrounding the implications of artificial intelligence. As the technology continues to evolve, so too must our understanding of its ethical, environmental, and health ramifications, ensuring that the benefits of AI are balanced against the potential drawbacks that have already raised significant concerns among a growing segment of the population.