The Luddites were a section of the working class who, in the 18th and 19th centuries, set about destroying machinery that was taking work from them. They fought against the Industrial Revolution that was denying them jobs, and though they lost, their name has gone down in history to signify an attitude that is resistant to change and modernization.
How many Luddites do you know?
Okay, so they’re probably not out and about destroying machinery or protesting outside of an Apple store - but they do still exist. For those of us who have seen the advent of the Digital Age and responded with a big “yes please!”, there’s nothing more frustrating than a modern Luddite, a technophobe. It can mean a huge clash of cultures over something some basic but which has, over time, become so fundamental.
Do you think you know a modern-day Luddite? Maybe you do! After all, they all tend to give off the same signs and sayings…
#1 - “People Are On Their Phone Too Much These Days!”
The idea that we all use our phones non-stop is a favorite of the modern-day Luddite. This is despite the fact that phones have replaced a huge amount of technology; it’s not like we’re all just playing games all day.
Okay, it’s not like we’re only playing games all day.
A smartphone is not just a phone or a portal to the internet. It’s a calendar, an alarm clock, a schedule, a way to track your health, and a method of managing your financial affairs. Everyone is ‘always on their phone’ because our lives tend to be on our phones now - it’s just the device that gives us access to them!
A Luddite might acknowledge the advantages of technology, but that doesn’t mean they want anything to do with it. They’re far happier with their simple systems of living and may even decry the fact their phone has too many features or their TV is demanding an internet connection.
#3 - They Ask For Help On Everything
One of the most frustrating things about Luddites is that they are unwilling to learn. It’s not that they can’t; they’re often intelligent, successful people who could teach themselves if they chose to learn… but they don’t want to. Instead, they will hand over to you when they reach a technical hurdle that they can’t overcome in the most simplistic fashion possible.
How Can You Cope With Knowing A Luddite?
Living alongside someone who stubbornly refuses to update their usage of digital forms can be difficult. For one thing, they’ll be harder to get hold of. There’s no dashing out a quick Facebook invite or hoping they will see your status update saying you’re not well.
To an extent, the best thing you can do is hope they accept what their decision is going to mean. There is a good chance that by refusing to adapt, they are going to miss out on things and feel isolated. To an extent, that’s an issue for them to reconcile themselves with. If they are the outlier in your group of friends or family, it’s unreasonable for them to expect everyone adapt to them - they need to give a little, too.
So if you ever find yourself on the receiving end of a lecture about how they have been left out of something, then it might be best to calmly remind them there are ways and means around this. Be reasonable and friendly, but nevertheless make the point that this is their choice.
Is There Anything You Can Do About A Luddite?
It would be great if we could finish up here by discussing a few of the methods for getting a Luddite to take a step forward into the 21st century and embrace all the wonders available. Sadly… that’s not really possible.
Most of the time, people don’t want to change because they intensely dislike change. This is an issue that tends to need a bigger solution that just tempting them with online memes, the fun of Foxy Bingo, or showing them how much easier it is to manage your life online. It’s probably just how they are.
The one thing you can do is be open and encouraging. If they ask for help with something, don’t just take over and do it for them - make it a learning opportunity. Encourage them to experiment and try things for themselves rather than relying on you, but be well aware this might just be how they are. We all have our quirks, right?
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