What the Luddites Can Teach Us About Societal Response to AI

​The Luddites were a 1800′s-era movement of textile workers who smashed weaving machines because they feared being replaced. Dismissed as “anti-technology rebels”, their revolt in reality targeted employers who used new machinery to suppress wages and de-skill labour.

Jason Yung revisits the Luddites as a case study in societal resistance to technological disruption and asks: what lessons do they offer for today’s adaptation to AI, especially under scenarios of large-scale displacement and economic restructuring?

Registration Instructions
This is a paid event ($5 general admission, free for students & job seekers) with limited tickets—you must RSVP on Luma to secure your spot.

​​Event Schedule
6:00 to 6:30 - Food and introductions
6:30 to 7:30 - Presentation and Q&A
7:30 to 9:00 - Open Discussions

​​If you can’t attend in person, join our live stream starting at 6:30 pm via this link.

​​This is part of our weekly AI Policy series. Join us in examining questions like:

  • ​​How should AI development be regulated?

  • ​​What are the economic and social implications of widespread automation?

  • ​​How do we balance innovation with safety considerations?

  • ​​What governance structures are needed for safer AI?

No comments.