I think the popularity of hot air dryers also from the current "go green" movement around the world where using paper towels is considered bad for the environment.

I usually avoid air dryers. I've been led to believe that the hot air that is blown may not necessarily be that clean? Regardless, I always find my hands to still be a little damp no matter how long I dry them, so I just use paper towels instead. I don't waste them mind you, I use just enough to get my hands dry.

If paper towels aren't available I actually just dry my hands off by shaking them off in the sink and wiping them on my shirt or pants 😂

Though I cannot find them now, there have been studies done that I seem to recall showed pretty conconclusively that paper towels are much more sanitary than air dryers. There was even an old Myth Busters episode on this exact topic:

Hand dryers or Paper Towel? That is the question.How many times have you washed your hands in a public bathroom and searched in vain for a paper towel dispenser? Who wants to wait around while some electronic gizmo on the wall blows lukewarm air on your clammy hands.www.mcgill.ca

The air dryer blows whatever is on your hands all over the place!

Typical cheap choice-Electric hand driers create "impression" you care about your customers. When I travel I learn which places have cleanest restrooms and good supply of paper hand towels. Always tip rest room attendants , tho harder to do today as we frequently don't carry cash. Was fascinated to see much cashless pay on smart phone apps when in Africa. Surprised I don't need an APP to use the electric hand driers. Progress:>(

As I think of it, the very nicest restaraunt's restrooms always have clean cloth towels to use, or nice paper towels..