What is Luddite?

Luddite is a word often used, sometimes critically, to describe people who are cautious or skeptical about new technology. The term originally comes from 19th-century textile workers who opposed machines they believed were taking their jobs. Today, especially in discussions about artificial intelligence (AI), the term is sometimes used by tech enthusiasts to describe those who raise concerns about privacy, job loss, misinformation, or the broader social impact of rapid technological change.

You can tell your child that when someone is unsure or careful about using new technology like AI, others might call them a “Luddite.” The person being called that might not dislike technology, they may just want to make sure it’s safe or fair. People who use the word might feel that caution is slowing down progress. But using labels to dismiss concerns isn’t helpful. It’s better to listen and work together to understand and solve those concerns.

Imagine your school gets a super-smart app that helps kids write stories. Some students are really excited and use it all the time. But one student says, “Shouldn’t we still learn how to write ourselves?” The others might say, “You’re just scared of new things!”, but really, that student just wants to make sure it’s a good idea. Today, people who ask thoughtful questions about AI sometimes get called “Luddites,” but often, they just have a different point of view.