OSU study finds ‘design friction’ prompts can curb unnecessary AI image generation
OSU study finds ‘design friction’ prompts can curb unnecessary AI image generation
Publish Date: 2026-05-13 16:01:00
Source Domain: nbc16.com
- Researchers from Oregon State University found that AI systems prompting users to consider the energy consumption and environmental impacts of AI can reduce unnecessary use.
- AI is using substantial amounts of electricity, with the training of a large language model comparable to powering 120 homes for a year and generating a single image requiring energy similar to charging a smartphone.
- With most of the world’s energy still derived from fossil fuels, any reduction in AI energy use is significant.
- “Design friction,” such as making users search for existing image resources and specify details for the AI-generated image, encourages more environmentally responsible AI use.
- Persuasive messaging about AI’s environmental effects can increase users’ trust but does not significantly affect their intent to use AI responsibly.
- The study highlights the importance of mechanisms prompting users to slow down and reflect, allowing for more responsible AI use.
- As AI usage grows and is estimated to comprise one-fifth of the world’s energy consumption by 2030, promoting responsible AI use is critical.
- Responsible AI use includes avoiding redundancies in AI projects, closing tools once needs are met, and considering the environmental cost of each request.
