Statement on My Travel Tips Site and Anti-AI

Dear Friends and Readers,

This is a short-n-sweet blurb to inform you of my writing and stance on AI (artificial intelligence). I am vehemently against the use of AI-generated content for two primary reasons:

1. The plagiarism and stealing of original works of writers and artists

2. The socio-environmental impacts, particularly on low-income peoples and on already scarce freshwater sources

The end of Coffee Pot Rapid on the Rogue River, Oregon

Because of these two primary reasons, I feel the need to inform you that all my work here is written and created by me. I write Tiff’s Travel Tips not to get the top spot on Google rankings or get the most views. I do not want to pay for robots to read my words. I write because I love it and want to share what I love with you. Every published article is for you, the reader. Person to person, human connection, bound by stories and experiences, silliness and seriousness. All these words, photos, and webpages are created by hand so you can have the best “user experience.” Or, in non-digital jargon, have a grand ‘ol time on this website!

As this is a short letter to you, I'll only say a little on AI and give you some resources. I have much to say about the use of AI and its data centers, but I'll keep it succinct. My summary is this:

Artificial Intelligence does not come out of thin air. It comes from data centers. Just like your phone or computer, AI data centers get hot when they're used. In order to cool the servers, these centers use water that comes straight from watersheds & communities where the centers are built. This has led to water scarcity for people and land.

Some resources to check out:

• Here is a map from Bloomberg that shows AI data centers in the United States. It also summarizes the

• AI data center and water use in the United Kingdom

• Indirectly related, but a summary of Trump's bill that was passed, focusing on waterways affected (be warned, it's bleak)

• The relationship between AI and water use explained

• How AI Data Centers Are Replacing Our Neighborhoods - What's Left of Hillsboro, Oregon, Documentary on YouTube

• For if you're an Atlantic subscriber

I left the world of digital marketing to stay away from the societal backslide into isolationism. AI is tearing our world apart. I deeply believe this sentiment. Don’t worry, I have encountered the arguments of its vitality and the urgency for technological advance. The “embrace or get left behind” rhetoric. I do not want these options. I refuse to condone or conduct use of AI, particularly as an environmentalist and writer.  

I am not even thrilled to be on social media, but feel the need to stay involved and use the platforms as a tool to share this personal publication and keep up to date. In my own observations in the role of a writer for a self-created online travel site, it is rare to encounter work that is not written by an “AI content creator” using purchased keywords. There are original creators, though! This is not a blanket statement!

I do this out of pure enjoyment to share my stories with you. I refuse to use AI as I believe you deserve to hear my first-person, originally written encounters with the world.   

Thank you for taking the time to read my words. Your continued support means the world to me. In this ever-evolving technological landscape, let’s remember to turn to our roots: we are creatures of connection, meant to be in togetherness in natural places.  

Sincerely Yours,

Tiff 

Thanks for reading my statement! Here's a happy picture to end it, lol!