I admit that, while it's been varying degrees of disheartening to be unfriended by folks I've known for quite a while -- and with whom I've had a number of pleasant exchanges over the years -- because of my use and enjoyment of AI tools, I've rarely been *that* upset by it. It does smart more when it's been people with whom I've had engaging conversations and whom I've looked forward to seeing in person, but Generally my response has been to the tune of, "Oh, well... I guess we weren't all that friendly after all."

That said, I've been pondering this one instance for several days now and I think I really am bothered by it. I should note -- this person hasn't *actually* unfriended me (their spouse did), and I can still see their posts. I think I'd even be able to comment on them -- but I haven't ventured to in a while, because after one exchange some months ago it was pretty clear that they 100% didn't want to hear from me. I've sent a few Messenger notes since then that have gone unread. But last week they posted about feeling suicidal amidst the more widespread adoption of AI -- stating that they expect it to entirely replace "critical thinking, skill-building, and imagination" -- and I really wanted to respond.

I didn't. I read the existing comments on the post (all brief, supportive anti-AI remarks) and also the room, and nobody wanted to hear me ding folks for the apparent lack of critical thinking exhibited by this lot whereas my commitment to critical thinking (to say nothing of skill-building and imagination; in fact I think AI tools have great potential to benefit both) remains intact. Nobody wanted to hear me point out that critical thinking requires engaging with opposing perspectives rather than shouting them down and shutting them out, which is the prevailing response I've seen from the anti-AI crowd. Nobody wanted or would have appreciated anything except total agreement that AI is the Devil and broad condemnation of anyone who wasn't fully on board.

So I checked my fingers and didn't comment. I was, however, also concerned for my friend: though we may disagree on this issue, I absolutely still regard them fondly and wish them well. This is, after all, someone I've known for decades and with whom I've shared a lot of pleasant moments. So I sent them a note via Messenger -- not saying anything about AI, definitely not claiming to have any substantive advice, but sincerely attempting to be supportive and encouraging.

They've not read that note, because they apparently want nothing to do with me? Which is fine. This one does sting a fair bit. But oh, well... I guess we weren't all that friendly after all.