Chapter 1: The Luddite Mindset

Recently, I stumbled upon a term that resonated with me: Luddite. Although its meaning has shifted over the years, it fundamentally describes individuals who view technology as a potential threat to traditional lifestyles. Such individuals often express concerns about the adverse effects of technology on society, particularly regarding privacy erosion and the consolidation of power among a few tech giants.

This notion is not entirely new to me; I’ve long held similar sentiments, albeit without the vocabulary to articulate them. My skepticism towards the latest technological advancements has been a constant. However, my unease truly intensified when the evolution of technology took a notably unsettling turn.

Traditionally, the narrative has revolved around convenience—striving for ease, speed, and increased efficiency. We convinced ourselves that with technology, we could indeed "have it all." Yet, it seems the joke has been on us.

In the 1950s, the push for "Electric Everything" often overshadowed the fact that non-electric alternatives frequently performed better—can openers, for example. The goal was to persuade everyone to abandon functional manual tools for their electric counterparts, implying that their worth was tied to their ability to plug into a wall. Consequently, generations became dependent on the power grid, leading to the gradual decline of traditional methods.

The emergence of ARPANET—now a relic of the past—gave rise to the much-celebrated Information Superhighway. However, this transformation has led to a digital landscape increasingly governed by algorithms, which began to censor and suppress information as they honed predictive text capabilities. Moreover, these technologies tracked our online behavior.

Scandals like DoubleClick and the Cambridge Analytica incident further revealed the darker side of our digital lives, exposing how personal data could be exploited to serve tailored advertisements after online shopping sprees. Job hunting transitioned from local engagement to reliance on platforms like Monster and Indeed, while social media platforms led to a disconnection from genuine human interaction.

These platforms, and especially their applications, were unsettling from the outset, relying heavily on algorithms. Over time, their facade of “relevance” faded, revealing a more sinister agenda.

What does this agenda entail? The social credit score—an evolution of today’s ratings and reviews—will soon dictate the job opportunities and potential romantic connections you can access. Search results will increasingly prioritize your alignment with the system over genuine relevance.

In essence, they will dictate your employment and dating prospects. To succeed in this new reality, one must play along with the system, or risk exclusion.

Despite efforts to erase historical context, fragments of it seep through modern conversations, often leading to discussions about the Luddite ideology. This presents a possible solution—or at least a key component of it—to the technological trap we find ourselves in: resisting the relentless encroachment of technology into our lives, as if it were an inevitable force.

But there is a way out.

Here it is: the $64,000 piece of advice—just say NO.

While it may sound simplistic, it’s not without challenges. Peer pressure can sway the indecisive, convenience tempts the lazy, and shiny tech gadgets captivate those with short attention spans.

Is the price of your freedom and autonomy worth it? If not, then…

Embrace the Luddite Ethos.

I’m advocating for organic social interactions—meeting people at gatherings instead of relying on dating apps. I’m suggesting networking through personal connections or community boards to discover job openings.

Consider asking a restaurant server for a physical menu instead of scanning a “creepy” QR code. Have you ever observed the absurdity of people doing this? I have.

I’m also talking about visiting your local bank rather than relying on virtual deposits through mobile photos. It’s about seeking assistance from employees at auto parts stores instead of scanning QR codes to identify your vehicle’s needs.

Requesting tangible key fobs from apartment management rather than downloading an app that rarely works correctly also falls under this ethos.

These seemingly minor actions are, in fact, significant.

Begin by logging out of social media, deleting cookies, and disabling automatic updates—despite the security alarms that may sound. In over a decade and numerous devices, I’ve never encountered a serious issue.

The stark reality is clear: whoever “they” are, they’re pushing us. It’s time to push back while we still have the chance.

Chapter 2: The Technological Crossroads

In this video, "Pink Floyd - Welcome To The Machine," the band critiques the dehumanizing aspects of technology and its impact on society, resonating with the Luddite perspective.

The second video, "Welcome To The Machine," further explores the themes of technological control and its implications for human interaction and freedom.

Conclusion

Have you grown cautious of technology, questioning its hidden consequences, or felt discomforted by your device’s actions? If you have, I invite you to share your experiences in the comments below.

This piece originally appeared on my personal blog but has since been adapted for a wider audience.

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Thank you for taking the time to read this!