When will we start burning our laptops?

The world has changed. History is filled with moments when technological progress disrupts the established order of the working world. One of the most famous examples is the rise of the Luddites in early 19th-century Britain. Weavers and other mill workers protested against the introduction of machines that were taking their jobs and transforming the face of the industry. Today, in the age of artificial intelligence, we observe similar mechanisms of fear, resistance, and the struggle to preserve humanity in the face of automation.

In the 19th century, the development of mechanical looms revolutionized the textile industry. Machines replaced human labor, weavers lost their jobs, and their families lost their livelihoods. Factory owners prioritized profits over employment. The Luddites, inspired by the mythical figure of Ned Ludd, organized the destruction of machines as an act of desperation. For many, these machines symbolized exploitation and loss of control over their lives.

What drove these protests was the fear of unemployment and a deep sense of humiliation. Workers saw their craft — requiring precision and expertise — rendered obsolete by cold, impersonal technology.

This image is vividly portrayed in The Promised Land (See: The Promised Land, director: Andrzej Wajda, 1975, Subs: EN). The relationship between Maks’ son and Herman’s father reflects the clash between tradition and modernity. The older generation, having contributed significantly to building the city of Łódź and its industry, feels abandoned by younger people who seek their path in a world dominated by ruthless capitalism and technological advancement.

Today, technology is once again transforming the world. AI algorithms and systems that automate production and decision-making processes spark controversy. People fear artificial intelligence will take over jobs — from drivers to programmers, doctors to artists. Protests against AI take various forms: calls for legal regulations, strikes, and moral appeals to “stop AI.”

Just as in the 19th century, the fears are not only about jobs but also about broader values. Will algorithms dehumanize our society? Will human work lose its meaning? These questions echo the dilemmas of the Luddites, who felt they were losing their income and their place in the world.

Modern protests differ in scale and complexity. AI automates labor and makes decisions — often in ways incomprehensible to humans. Weavers fought against something tangible while today’s society grapples with the abstraction of algorithms.

The fear of technology typically stems from a lack of inclusivity in its implementation. In the 19th century, workers were pushed to the margins, while the benefits of the industrial revolution primarily flowed to factory owners. Similarly, in the 21st century, the lack of transparency in AI development and the inequalities it creates may lead to growing tensions. It’s worth noting that in today’s world, those excluded from digital competence are not only people in their 50s or 60s but also younger individuals who cannot keep up with the rapid pace of technological change.

Finding a balance between progress and social justice has become a critical challenge. Regulations, education, and social dialogue can help avoid repeating past mistakes.

Remember the protests against Uber? Uber has become a symbol of innovation and convenience for some and chaos and unfairness for others. Protests against the company erupted worldwide, embodying the tensions of a time when modern technologies clashed with traditional business models. Today, “Uberization” describes the phenomenon of transforming economies through digital technologies and platforms that mediate service delivery. Connecting services via apps is characteristic of so-called distributed markets, where many providers can connect with many potential customers (the model of every marketplace).

Technology is reshaping the world of work. Equally important, however, are the values that shape our reaction to these changes. The world of Brand 5.0, symbolized by Leonardo da Vinci, combines digital traits with humanistic qualities. Otherwise, we risk ending up in the Terminator Era, where AI and robotics reach an advanced level, threatening humanity. This theme, often explored in science fiction literature and film, is increasingly becoming a tangible reality.

Protests and resistance against AI, like the uprising of the weavers, call for reflection: How can we build a society where progress includes rather than excludes?

Technology is neither the enemy nor the savior — it all depends on how we choose to use it.

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