Steve Wozniak: "To a considerable extent" I've become disconnected from technology

Wozniak steps back, praises nature over screens

It has been reported that Steve Wozniak, the co‑founder of Apple, told CNN he has “to a considerable extent” disconnected from technology and now prefers being close to nature. Wozniak — a central engineer in Apple’s early years who helped build the first two Apple computers and the original Macintosh — said he rarely uses AI and finds AI‑generated content “too dry, too perfect.” He added that he prefers genuine human expression and is often disappointed by what automated tools produce.

A veteran voice in a wider debate

Why is this significant? Wozniak helped popularize the graphical user interface that shaped modern computing. His retreat is not just personal nostalgia; it resonates with growing executive caution about AI. It has been reported that a Stanford‑led survey of over 6,000 senior managers across the U.S., U.K., Germany and Australia found nearly 70% of CEOs, CFOs and other executives spend less than one hour per week using AI at work, and 28% don’t use it at all. At the same time, Gallup data show AI uptake among managers is rising, with a projected jump to 69% by late 2025.

Industry leaders voice similar concerns

Apple’s current CEO Tim Cook (蒂姆·库克) has likewise warned about excessive device use and expressed concern over how people use AI. His message echoes Wozniak’s: technology by itself is neutral; its impact depends on creators and users. Amid rising global debates over AI regulation, data privacy and the societal effects of automation, prominent technologists taking a cautious stance adds weight to policy and public conversations about where to draw lines.

What next for tech pioneers?

Wozniak’s comments are a reminder that even architects of the digital age can step back and question its trajectory. Will more founders and executives follow? For now, the story underlines a paradox of the moment: innovation accelerates while a significant number of senior leaders remain wary of integrating AI deeply into daily work.