In a recent LinkedIn post, John Barrows discusses his evolving approach to technology adoption, particularly concerning Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools, and his growing emphasis on corporate values. Barrows, known for his work in sales enablement, shared his personal journey of re-evaluating service subscriptions based on company ethics and impact.
Barrows highlights his initial engagement with AI through platforms like ChatGPT and the creation of custom GPTs. However, his focus has shifted significantly towards the underlying values of the companies providing these services. He states:
“However, I’ve been paying a lot more attention to the VALUES of the companies for all the different services/subscriptions I use and am starting to cancel or move away from the ones who I don’t feel align with mine including Spotify, Amazon, Target and OpenAI.”
This re-evaluation, as detailed by Barrows, extends to major tech players, acknowledging that no large corporation is perfect but expressing a desire to align with those making a more concerted effort towards ethical practices.
The Search for Value-Aligned AI
The core of Barrows’s post is a call for community input on selecting AI tools that better align with specific ethical considerations. He is actively seeking recommendations for AI platforms that demonstrate support for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives and address the environmental impact associated with AI development and deployment.
As Barrows explains his criteria:
“I’m mainly looking for ones that support (or at least don’t ignore) DEI type initiatives/values and the environmental impact of AI.”
This indicates a forward-thinking approach to technology integration, where the ‘what’ and ‘how’ of AI are becoming as crucial as the ‘why’ from an ethical standpoint.
Seeking Community Recommendations
Barrows explicitly invites his network to share their experiences and recommendations. He is interested in understanding which platforms others are using, the reasons behind their choices, and concrete examples of how these companies embody their stated values. This collaborative approach underscores his belief in collective intelligence for navigating the complex landscape of AI ethics.
According to Barrows, the goal is to move towards partnerships with companies that are:
“at least less egregious.”
This candid admission reflects the broader challenge many individuals and businesses face in balancing technological advancement with ethical considerations. Barrows’s post serves as an open invitation for dialogue and a practical step towards making more informed, values-driven technology choices.
📝 About This Content
This article is based on insights shared by John Barrows on LinkedIn.
📅 Originally posted on February 13, 2026 | View original post on LinkedIn →