Technology-denier

A technology-denier is an individual who rejects, doubts, or downplays the significance, benefits, or validity of a specific technology or technology in general. This denial can manifest in various forms, from skepticism about the impact of a particular innovation to outright dismissal of its utility or even harmfulness. The motivation behind this stance can range from philosophical disagreements about progress and its consequences to concerns about privacy, job displacement, environmental impact, or a general distrust of technological advancements. They might advocate for simpler, more traditional ways of life or business and resist the integration of new technologies into their personal or professional routines. The term often implies a resistance that goes beyond mere caution or skepticism; it suggests a consistent pattern of rejecting or minimizing the role of technology in a given context.

Technology-denier meaning with examples

• Despite advancements in medical technology, the elderly farmer remained a technology-denier, refusing to use electronic health records. He argued that face-to-face communication and handwritten notes were superior for maintaining a personal relationship with his doctor, fearing that the impersonal nature of computers would diminish the quality of care. His reliance on traditional methods, even when they caused inefficiencies, demonstrated his reluctance to embrace modern healthcare practices.
• The local school board's decision to reject interactive whiteboards was largely influenced by a few staunch technology-deniers among its members. They claimed that such devices were distractions, expensive, and unnecessary, preferring traditional chalkboards and textbooks. Their skepticism hindered the adoption of innovative teaching methods, leaving some students at a disadvantage compared to those in schools embracing technological integration. The clash highlighted differing educational philosophies and values.
• In the business world, certain entrepreneurs who valued traditional craftsmanship were considered technology-deniers for resisting the use of automated machinery in their manufacturing processes. They believed that the artistry and quality of their products would suffer if machines took over. Their dedication to manual labor, although admirable, sometimes put them at a disadvantage, as they struggled to keep pace with businesses that embraced automation to streamline processes and improve efficiency.
• The environmental activist was considered a technology-denier by some because they strongly opposed nuclear energy and embraced renewable energy sources, but were critical about all other forms of technology. This selective skepticism meant that some technologies, even if they could provide a temporary carbon-free power source, are disregarded. This stance on nuclear technology meant, in effect, they only supported specific technologies.
• Critics often labeled some Luddites as technology-deniers, they argued, as these individuals actively attempted to destroy industrial machinery during the industrial revolution. These early adopters of the moniker, which means anti-technology, feared the societal impact of automation and viewed technological advancement as a threat to their livelihoods. Their actions exemplified an extreme form of technology denial and resistance to change, ultimately hindering progress.