Why?
Their behaviours are not technophobic, but reflective of a growing cohort of informed sceptics who understand exactly how technology works and resist it precisely because of that knowledge.
They are motivated by a crisis of autonomy – feeling their time, attention, thoughts and even identity are no longer their own. This brings the tension between human and machine to life – as explored in The Future Laboratory’s The Synthocene Era macrotrend.
These citizens are not resisting the future, but are attempting to preserve a version of life, culture, humanity and autonomy that they sense is endangered.
Our Communities reports identify and interview the early adopters who signal where the rest of society may later follow. This report introduces the people who have tipped from thinking critically about the role of technology in their lives to taking steps to change it.
Access the Communities report
Unplugged, UK
Supported by a proprietary Future:Poll survey of more than 3,000 adults, this Communities report delves into the lives of five individuals living in the UK, Europe and the US. These Tech-Resisters are united by a mission to build elaborate personal defence systems so they can exist within the digital world on their own terms.
In addition, dozens of people around the world responded to The Future Laboratory’s call to share their stories of tech resistance. Their thoughts and behaviours helped shape the wider context of this report.