This Luddite Puppet Hopes You’re Not Reading This on Your Smartphone
A puppet named Gowanus serves as the media representative for the 'Summer of Ludd' movement, which advocates for reduced screen time and resistance to Big Tech. The movement is gaining traction among Gen Z, who are seeking more authentic, offline experiences.
Why it matters
The rise of modern Luddism among digital natives highlights a growing cultural pushback against the ubiquity of smartphones and constant connectivity.
Made of literal garbage—his origin story is that he was born in a dumpster in his namesake neighborhood in Brooklyn—he’s the media representative for the Summer of Ludd, a Luddite festival that took place in New York earlier this month.
The framing highlights the 'Big Tech' critique, which is a common theme in progressive cultural commentary.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in