Llama isn't a product you use directly — it's the engine behind thousands of products. That AI chatbot you found on a small website? Probably Llama. The custom bot on Discord? Llama. The local AI running on your laptop? Llama. Meta's open-source model is so widely deployed that you may be using it without knowing.
The invisible infrastructure
Because Llama is open-source, it powers AI experiences across platforms that look completely different. You might think you're using diverse tools, but underneath, you're interacting with the same model. The dependency is distributed but unified.
The local AI trap
Running Llama locally on your own hardware removes external constraints entirely. No rate limits, no subscriptions, no company monitoring your usage. For some users, this unrestricted access leads to usage patterns that would raise alarms on any commercial platform.
The open-source paradox
Open-source AI is often celebrated for giving users control. But control over the tool isn't the same as control over your relationship with it. Having unlimited, free, private access to a powerful AI can make dependency easier, not harder, to develop.
Wondering about your own AI habits? Take our free AI addiction quiz to understand your usage patterns.