Neo-Luddite

A neo-Luddite is a person who opposes new technologies, particularly advanced computing, automation, and artificial intelligence. This opposition stems from a concern about the negative impacts of such technologies on employment, the environment, social structures, and overall human well-being. Neo-Luddites often critique the relentless pursuit of technological advancement, arguing that it prioritizes efficiency and profit over human needs and values. They might advocate for slower adoption rates, careful assessment of consequences, and the preservation of traditional skills and craftsmanship. They don't necessarily smash machines as the original Luddites did, but they question the unbridled expansion of technology and its societal ramifications.

Neo-Luddite meaning with examples

• The author, a self-proclaimed neo-Luddite, penned a scathing essay criticizing the pervasive use of smartphones, arguing they were eroding face-to-face communication and fostering a culture of instant gratification. She pointed to the increased rates of anxiety and depression as linked to excessive screen time, echoing neo-Luddite concerns about technology's impact on mental health. Her piece sparked debate about the ethics of constant connectivity.
• Faced with the automation of their factory, many skilled workers expressed neo-Luddite sentiments, fearing job losses and the degradation of their craft. They organized protests and petitions, demanding retraining programs and a slower pace of technological implementation. They held fast to the belief that machines should not entirely replace human skill and that the human touch still provides valuable innovation and production for the economy.
• Environmental activists sometimes exhibit neo-Luddite tendencies, voicing concern over the environmental impact of data centers, electronic waste, and the energy consumption of advanced technologies. They advocate for a more sustainable approach to technology development, highlighting the ecological costs of rapid obsolescence and the need for circular economies and advocating for low energy solutions. Some propose slowing down or ceasing some innovation, such as AI.
• The artist, a neo-Luddite at heart, intentionally used older, less technologically advanced tools and techniques in her paintings, rejecting digital art and computer-aided design. She championed traditional methods, emphasizing the value of human skill, creativity, and direct engagement with materials. She saw her work as a form of resistance against the homogenization and depersonalization that she believed was facilitated by advanced technology.