From Ned Ludd to Modern-day Technophobia: Exploring the Origins and Legacy of the Luddite Movement
You may mock them, but arguably you may not have workers rights without them. Ned Ludd is a mythical figure who allegedly smashed two stocking frames in 1779, becoming a symbol of resistance against industrialization 1 . The Luddite movement was a group of 19th-century English workers who protested against the introduction of textile machinery that threatened their livelihoods 2 . They rioted and destroyed machines in various regions from 1811 to 1816, until they were suppressed by legal and military force 3 2 . The term “Luddite” has since been used to describe people who oppose or fear new technology, especially computers. Technophobia is the fear or dislike of advanced technology or complex devices 4 . It can cause anxiety, stress, avoidance, or hostility towards technology 5 . Some possible causes of technophobia are lack of exposure, negative experiences, social influences, or perceived threats to identity or values 5 . The legacy of the Luddite moveme...