Activists are rallying against generative AI and other technologies, while also reclaiming the label of “Luddite.” Molly Crabapple, an artist and writer, attended the International Journalism Festival in Italy and became unsettled by the promotion of generative AI among journalists. She spoke out against it, stating that it would not only harm her industry but also all creative fields. Crabapple, along with the Center for Artistic Inquiry and Reporting, released an open letter calling for publishers to ban generative AI from replacing human art and writing. The letter gained nearly 4,000 signatories, including notable figures like Chris Hayes, Naomi Klein, and John Cusack. However, Crabapple also faced backlash and was labeled a Luddite, which she embraced as part of a new generation of Luddites. She believes that technology should not dominate every aspect of our lives and that we need to reassess its role. The article concludes by mentioning that supporting independent journalism is crucial for its future.
