> Would initiating these discussions result in interpersonal stress?

Yes, it absolutely does. Nobody likes being told they're wrong, and having anything short of glowing support of a New Thing (TM) in American enterprise paints a huge target on your person. You lose opportunities, you lose relationships, you lose growth, and eventually you lose your job.

That being said...

> Should I just let things slide?

NO. Someone has to say something. Someone has to do something to stop bad decisions, bad actions, and bad outcomes. Someone has to point out the harms, flaws, and consequences, even if it comes at the expense of their career.

Otherwise nothing will ever actually change, because everyone else will think it's okay due to a lack of contrasting opinions or supporting evidence.

> Would I become known as a “difficult” coworker for pushing back on AI use?

See the first point above. You will absolutely be scapegoated for anything short of blind fealty to New Things (TM).

> Does any of it really matter? Does anyone really care?

A lot of folks care, but the current economic system incentivizes harming others through fiscal reward. We have to keep giving a fuck, because if we don't, then harm wins.

Don't get me wrong, life is fucking hard and bleak when standing up for cooperation and support is rewarded with job losses, homelessness, and government persecution. That doesn't make it the wrong thing, only the hard thing.