Did you use AI during the L.A. wildfires?

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Hi, I'm Matt Pearce, a journalist in Los Angeles and a former L.A. Times reporter who writes a newsletter about journalism and technology.

I'm sending out this survey because I'm especially curious about how people used AI (or chose not to use AI) during L.A.'s January 2025 wildfire disaster.

You can answer anonymously; I might write about the responses if they're especially interesting or illuminating. If you want to reach me privately about something, I'm at mattdpearce@gmail.com. Stay safe out there.

Are you in the Los Angeles area? *

Yes

Were you directly affected by the fires in some way?

BEFORE THE WILDFIRES: How did you use AI *before* the disaster? Check all that apply. *

I used generative AI services similar to ChatGPT for writing, editing or other content creation.

I used chat agents like ChatGPT, Alexa or Siri to research things.

I used search summaries like Perplexity or Google's AI search results.

I use social media like TikTok, X and Facebook that rely on recommendation algorithms.

Other:

Required

DURING THE WILDFIRES: How did you use AI *during* the disaster? Check all that apply. *

I used generative AI services similar to ChatGPT for writing, editing or other content creation.

I used chat agents like ChatGPT, Alexa or Siri to research things.

I used search summaries like Perplexity or Google's AI search results.

I use social media like TikTok, X and Facebook that rely on recommendation algorithms.

Other:

Required

If your AI use changed during the disaster (you used AI less or used it more), please briefly explain:

IF YOU USED AI DURING THE WILDFIRES: What did you use AI for? Was AI helpful, harmful, great, disturbing, something in between?

IF YOU DIDN'T USE AI DURING THE WILDFIRES: Was that a conscious decision?

Last question: As the wildfires come under control, is your level AI use reverting to normal, or do you feel like something has changed for you?

OPTIONAL: This survey is anonymous. But if you're potentially interested in being interviewed, drop your email here. Stay safe out there!

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