Navigating Modern Luddism: Understanding its Role in the AI Development Era from Sociological Perspectives
When we hear the word “Luddite,” we may think of English workers in the 1800s who were very against technological progress.
At the beginning of the 19th century, skilled textile workers in England protested against the use of new machines that would hurt their jobs. These Luddites expressed their opposition to technological change through acts of sabotage, which led to the term’s enduring association with opposition to technological change.
Modern Luddites
Contemporary manifestations of Luddism may persist nowadays, where AI-driven innovations are pervasive.
While many people embrace smart devices and other AI technologies, some express concerns similar to those of the original Luddites. However, modern Luddites are not solely focused on destroying technology. They raise valid concerns about job loss, inequality, privacy, ethics, and how too much reliance on technology could make society less human.
A social and cultural analysis of Luddism can show how social, cultural, and political factors interact to cause people to resist technological change and help come up with solutions to Luddites’ worries and concerns.
Conflict Theory
The theory suggests that society is made up of different groups that are always fighting for limited resources and power.
In the context of Luddism and AI, conflict theory says that the fast development and integration of AI technologies benefit large corporations, wealthy people, and people with specialized technical skills more than others. This means that other people are left behind or left out.
For example, AI and other advanced technologies are making it easier to automate jobs in many industries. For those whose jobs machines can perform more effectively, this could result in a large number of job losses.
This can make it harder for people who lose their jobs to find new jobs or force them to take jobs that pay less. This can make income inequality worse.
Labor unions and workers' rights groups may push for policies like universal basic income, reskilling programs, and stronger social safety nets to lessen the negative effects that AI-driven job displacement could have.
When looked at through the lens of conflict theory, modern Luddism shows how the rapid development and use of AI have changed power dynamics and the distribution of resources. It also serves as a call to action to make society more fair.
Structural Functionalism
Structural functionalism is a sociological theory that looks at how the different parts of society work together and how they keep things stable and in order.
In the context of Luddite attitudes, this way of thinking helps explain why some people don't like new technologies as a way to keep society balanced. Luddism happens when technology threatens to upset social institutions like the economy, family, and education, causing a feeling of instability and fear.
For example, automation in the manufacturing industry can cause people to lose their jobs, which can hurt the economy and family life.
Luddite resistance in this case aims to protect jobs and maintain economic and family stability.
Also, fast changes in technology can put pressure on the education system to keep changing, which can lead to Luddite attitudes that want to keep the education system as it is.
Symbolic Interactionalism
"Symbolic interactionism" is a sociological theory that says people's ideas about the world are shaped by their social interactions and how they interpret symbols.
In terms of Luddite attitudes, this theory says that people don't like new technologies because of their meanings and how they see themselves in relation to them.
In this situation, Luddism becomes a way for people to protect their values and keep their sense of self in a world where technology is changing quickly.
For some individuals, the integration of AI into areas such as healthcare, education, and work represents a loss of human touch and a threat to deeply held values, such as personal privacy and autonomy. AI skepticism isn't just based on practical worries; it also comes from a deeper need to protect one's identity and cultural values in a world that is becoming more and more automated.
Pros and Cons of Luddism
Luddism has its advantages and disadvantages. On the one hand, it draws attention to the risks and unintended effects that AI might have, which encourages responsible and inclusive development. On the other hand, resistance to change can slow down innovation and make it hard to see how new technology could help.
Resistance to change can also lead to a self-reinforcing cycle in which fear of new technology causes people to adopt it more slowly, which may slow down research, investment, and innovation in that field.
For example, if opposition to AI-driven medical diagnostics leads to less funding and less use, it could stop the development and improvement of AI algorithms that could change healthcare by making diagnoses and treatment plans more accurate, efficient, and individually tailored.
As AI continues to spread into more and more parts of society, the rise of Luddism seems inevitable, and it may stick around or even become more popular as technology moves faster.
But instead of just seeing Luddism as a problem, it is important to realize that it could help AI develop in more responsible and ethical ways.
By playing the role of the devil's advocate, Luddites can make sure that AI technologies are used in a way that is in line with society's values and takes into account the different points of view of all stakeholders.
In this way, Luddism can be a counter balance on unchecked technological progress, guiding the development of AI toward a future that is better for everyone.
