Hey Samsung, Please Stop Forcing AI on Me
THE Samsung unboxed this event made me want to shout four words: Enough of AI Already!
On Wednesday, the tech titan unveiled its Galaxy S26 models and the Galaxy Buds 4 Probut the AI was the real star of the show. Samsung introduced its browser with an Ask AI tool, an upgrade to Circle to search feature that uses AI to identify items to buy from a photo, AI photo editing and a range of Galaxy AI updates. The list of AI-integrated features doesn’t end there.
This story is part of Samsung eventCNET’s collection of news, tips and advice on Samsung’s most popular products.
If you’re excited about the future of AI, that’s no problem. For me, though, Samsung’s event left me more skeptical than excited about what’s to come. It reminded me why I will never give up performing certain human-centered tasks, like ordering a pizza or looking for dupes of an expensive pair of shoes. It’s because I like doing them.
Learn more: How to disable Galaxy AI features on your Samsung smartphone
Convenience and efficiency come at a social cost
Of course, Galaxy AI is practical. This can free up my time to do more of what I want while allowing other tasks to run in the background. But I actually enjoy many of my daily tasks, like managing a complex food order with my family or selecting a vacation destination.
I can be social. I can laugh at jokes. I learn more about my loved ones, which would not be possible if I entrusted these tasks to a robot.
I don’t want my smartphone to completely disconnect me from the little things. I want to stay connected to what matters most, even if it takes a few more minutes.
Watch this: Samsung Unpacked 2026: The future of AI is here (highlights)
I don’t need Galaxy AI to manage my every move
Samsung introduced the Now Nudge feature, which monitors what you’re doing on your phone and suggests shortcuts to avoid switching between tasks and apps. For example, if you need to share photos from an event, Galaxy AI can insert them into the message for you.
Honestly, I love going back in time and looking at these photos. Sending them myself gives me a sense of nostalgia, especially during special events like weddings and weekend getaways with friends far away. I also like to choose my best angles, which Galaxy AI might not do.
And as an editor, I hate Galaxy AI’s ability to select text, summarize, reformat and edit words. AI has not always succeeded in this task and it certainly does not own my voice.
Galaxy AI doesn’t need to know everything
Samsung says we’ll be able to determine what Galaxy AI data is processed because it relies on its Knox Matrix Trust Chain technology for cross-platform security. But the power of Galaxy AI seems too strong to escape, even with the best security measures in place.
The deep integration of AI into every feature of the phone appears to be a major privacy risk, especially since we are only at the starting line. Between document scanning and these new Galaxy Buds Pro 4 briefings, AI is officially everywhere and the privacy implications are terrifying.
Since cybercriminals are evolving as fast as AI, I’m starting to think a carrier pigeon is a safer bet for my personal tasks.
Watch this: Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro 4 review: sleeker design, better sound
