The Rise of the Neo-Luddites: Pushing Back Against AI’s Invasion

A New Movement Advocates for Ethical AI and Job Preservation

Earlier this month, a popular lifestyle magazine introduced "Reem," an AI-generated persona as its new “fashion and lifestyle editor.” Initially presented as a hip, twentysomething woman, Reem was set to offer product recommendations, effectively replacing a human job. Predictably, the backlash was swift, leading to a hasty apology from the magazine. Reem’s short-lived tenure is part of a broader trend of AI projects being shelved due to public outrage.

This growing anti-AI sentiment is driven by multiple concerns, primarily the impact on human labor. AI systems often replace jobs, depriving people of work opportunities. Moreover, these systems are trained on the creative output of the very individuals they aim to replace, without proper compensation. Issues such as AI’s tendency to sexualize women, facilitate deepfakes, and contribute to climate challenges add fuel to the fire. Hayao Miyazaki, the renowned Studio Ghibli director, has even labeled AI as “an insult to life itself.”

Some activists proudly reclaim the term “luddites,” traditionally used as an insult in tech circles. These modern-day luddites seek dialogue and compromise, advocating for a fairer and more ethical approach to AI adoption. Unlike their 19th-century counterparts, today’s activists leverage social media to amplify their cause. The Recording Industry Association of America’s recent lawsuit against AI music-generation companies saw musicians and fans rallying together, a testament to the widespread discontent with unregulated AI.

Ed Newton-Rex, the voice behind this perspective, is a notable figure in the AI ethics discourse. As the founder of Fairly Trained, a non-profit certifying generative AI companies that respect creators’ rights, and a co-founder of Jukedeck, which offers AI-generated music, he brings a balanced view to the table. While acknowledging AI's potential, he emphasizes the importance of addressing current harms and ensuring fair practices.