Luddite Puppet Gowanus Urges Deeper Thinking About Technology
In an interview with WIRED, Gowanus, a puppet representing the modern Luddite movement, discusses the Summer of Ludd festival, criticizes Big Tech's impact, and advocates for real-life community.
Gowanus, a puppet made from trash and the media representative for the Summer of Ludd festival, embodies the modern Luddite movement. The festival, held in New York earlier this month, featured workshops on flirting in real life and an "evidence box" where people shared how Big Tech has negatively affected their lives. Its core rule: be present — no phones, recordings, or photographs allowed.
In an interview with WIRED, Gowanus explained that modern Luddites are not against all technology, but against "machines harmful to commonality," a phrase borrowed from 19th-century British textile workers who fought automation. "We are against machines that accelerate wealth inequality, tear apart communities, and atomize people," Gowanus said.
He noted that the term "Luddite" is often used as an insult, but the movement is experiencing a renaissance, especially among Gen Z. Gowanus criticized Big Tech for being extractive, consuming natural resources (e.g., data centers), and fostering loneliness.
The movement organizes events like "Delete Day," where people collectively delete apps from their phones and discuss their impact. Gowanus also described a workshop called "Luddite Rizz," which focused on handling rejection rather than just flirting — a skill crucial in the age of dating apps that have commodified love.
The interview came with conditions: a handwritten contract forbidding short-form clips, encouraging full engagement with the conversation. Gowanus acknowledged the irony of recording a podcast but stressed the need to meet people where they are, while also promoting deeper attention.
