In Tompkins Square Park, amidst the sweltering summer evening, hundreds of people gathered for the opening event of the Summer of Ludd. This week-long festival is a celebration of anti-tech sentiment, where attendees can participate in activities that promote offline living and critique the omnipresence of Big Tech.
The festival’s entertainment began with ‘Luddite Recreations,’ a play that delves into the history of the Luddite movement, which dates back to the early years of the Industrial Revolution. The makeshift stage was surrounded by a giant papier-mâché face of a woman wearing a crown, serving as both a backdrop and a dual-purpose curtain for the actors.
The Summer of Ludd is not just about entertainment; it’s also an educational experience. Throughout the week, attendees can participate in activities such as mending, learning how to flirt and date offline, and even fighting against data centers. The festival has partnered with local organizations to provide these workshops, ensuring that everything from movies to long-distance chatting has an off-tech alternative.
The organizers of the Summer of Ludd have taken steps to maintain their anonymity, using a media puppet called Gowanus as their spokesperson. In a press conference before the festival began, Gowanus explained the reasoning behind the event: ‘We believe that the event is the medium to enact social change, where people can meet up in physical space.’
The Summer of Ludd has attracted a diverse crowd, including young people who are critical of tech’s omnipresence in society. A 2025 Pew Research study found that 48% of teen respondents said social media has negative effects on people their age, up from 32% in 2022.
One attendee, staoue, expressed her appreciation for the event: ‘I really like that [the event] is critical of the role of technology in our lives.’ The Summer of Ludd may be seen as a nostalgic attempt to defy consumption, but it’s clear that this movement has tapped into something deeper. As the week-long festival comes to a close, one thing is certain – the Summer of Ludd has sparked a conversation about the impact of Big Tech on society.
The organizers’ decision to maintain anonymity and use a media puppet as their spokesperson may seem unusual, but it’s a deliberate choice that reflects the movement’s focus on collective action rather than individual personalities. By keeping a low profile, the Summer of Ludd has managed to tap into the growing sentiment among young people who are critical of Big Tech.
The festival’s emphasis on offline living and critique of Big Tech is not just a nostalgic attempt to defy consumption; it’s a reflection of the changing values of Gen Z. A 2025 Pew Research study found that 48% of teen respondents said social media has negative effects on people their age, up from 32% in 2022.
The Summer of Ludd is not just a week-long festival; it’s a movement that has sparked a conversation about the impact of Big Tech on society. As the world becomes increasingly reliant on technology, events like the Summer of Ludd serve as a reminder of the importance of critical thinking and collective action.
Source: Original article