Activists are rallying against generative AI and other technologies, all while reclaiming the misunderstood label of Luddite. Molly Crabapple attended the International Journalism Festival in Italy last year, expecting the usual discussions about journalism and reporting from conflict zones. However, she became unsettled as she heard speakers advocating for the use of generative AI, claiming that journalists write too much and that their work could be automated. Disturbed by this, Crabapple spoke out against the use of generative AI during her own panel, stating that it will not only harm her industry but also impact any field that involves creative work. She then published an open letter with the Center for Artistic Inquiry and Reporting, urging publishers to ban generative AI from replacing human art and writing. The letter gained almost 4, 000 signatories, including notable figures like MSNBC host Chris Hayes, author Naomi Klein, and actor John Cusack. However, Crabapple also faced backlash for her stance, with critics labeling her as a Luddite. Instead of taking it as an insult, she embraced the term and identified herself as part of a new generation of Luddites. This new movement of Luddites challenges the idea that technology should dominate every aspect of our lives. They argue that technology should serve the common good, and therefore, its use must be reevaluated. In 2023, the rise of OpenAI and the widespread adoption of generative AI dominated the tech industry. The trend is set to continue this year with the launch of OpenAI's app store and partnerships with institutions like Axel Springer and Arizona State University. However, the Luddites are taking a stand against this change. Many who join this movement proudly embrace the mantle of Luddite. While the tech industry continues to invest heavily in the development of generative AI, the Luddites have gained ground on key issues. The original Luddites were skilled workers in 19th-century England who protested the use of machinery that undermined their wages and status.

Contrary to popular belief, they did not reject technology itself. They were eventually crushed by the government, which painted them as deluded individuals and made machine-breaking a capital offense. The term "Luddite" has since been derogatory, often used to refer to someone who opposes or fails to understand technology. However, in recent years, the term has found a new meaning. As concerns about AI's impact on jobs grow, a new generation of Luddites has emerged. This diverse group of workers, critics, academics, organizers, and writers believe that too much power is concentrated in the hands of tech giants. They argue that technology is often used to exploit workers and must be resisted when necessary. This movement has gained momentum, with associations like unions, writers' guilds, and authors' guilds pushing for protections against AI in their respective industries. They have successfully negotiated contracts that ban the use of AI for certain purposes and require consent for any AI-generated work. The momentum of new Luddism is evident in various sectors, including entertainment, journalism, and labor. Strikes and protests have taken place against the use of AI and technology to automate jobs and impede workers' rights. Efforts have also been made to halt the expansion of self-driving cars through direct action. However, the new Luddites are not against technology as a whole. They seek to challenge the way technology is imposed on society without considering the impact on the common good. Their goal is to democratize the development and use of technologies, bringing more people into the decision-making process. By advocating for wider participation and inclusivity, the new Luddites aim to shape a future where technology serves the best interests of all.