Nelomites

Nelomites, also sometimes referred to as Neo-Luddites (though this term carries slightly different connotations), are individuals or groups who express concern about the impact of modern technology on society, often advocating for limits on its adoption or use. The term is generally used to describe those who are not necessarily opposed to all technology, but who believe that its rapid and unchecked advancement can have negative consequences for employment, the environment, privacy, and social cohesion.

Nelomites are distinct from Luddites, who were 19th-century English textile workers who destroyed machinery as a form of protest against the changes brought about by the Industrial Revolution. While Luddites were primarily concerned with the immediate threat to their livelihoods posed by automation, Nelomites tend to have a broader focus on the societal implications of various technologies, including artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and surveillance technologies.

Key concerns voiced by Nelomites often include:

• Job displacement: The automation of tasks previously performed by human workers leading to unemployment and economic inequality.
• Environmental degradation: The increased energy consumption and resource depletion associated with the production and use of technology, contributing to climate change and pollution.
• Privacy erosion: The collection and analysis of personal data by corporations and governments, potentially leading to surveillance and manipulation.
• Social isolation: The replacement of face-to-face interactions with online communication, leading to a decline in community and social connections.
• Loss of autonomy: Dependence on technology for essential tasks, making individuals vulnerable to system failures or manipulation.

While Nelomites are often critical of specific technologies, they are not necessarily against all technological progress. Their views often focus on the importance of responsible innovation and the need for careful consideration of the potential consequences of new technologies before they are widely adopted. They may advocate for policies such as regulations on data collection, investments in retraining programs for displaced workers, or the development of more sustainable technologies.

The views and concerns of Nelomites are often contrasted with those of techno-optimists, who generally believe that technology will ultimately solve many of the world's problems and lead to a better future. The debate between these viewpoints is an ongoing and important one, shaping discussions about the future of technology and its role in society.