Social media can be a dangerous place for many people mentally and possibly even physically. Groups of people who refer to themselves as “luddites”, don’t associate themselves with social media and prefer using a simple flip phone over a modernized smartphone. 

These Luddite groups had been named after Nedd Ludd who had allegedly destroyed a mechanical loom in 1812 and inspired his followers to fight against industrialization. His name has inspired a handful of students in New York to join the Luddites and become unplugged from their phones.  

In 2022, a group of Luddites met up on the steps of Central Library before embarking on an unplugged journey. Odille Zexter-Kaiser, a senior at Edward R. Murrow Highschool, had stated that it is frowned upon if a member does not show up. He then continues to explain that it is important to show up because they do not keep in touch.  

Once gathered, the Luddites go on a journey in a forest and enjoy their favorite hobbies with each other, completely off the grid. They would draw in sketchbooks, read books, and do any activities that do not require technology.  

Another senior from Essex Street Academy, Lola Shub, another Luddite, stated that she and other members enjoyed a book called ‘Into the Wild.’ The novel inspires a theory that society is not supposed to be stuck in buildings or at work. Luddites want to experience real life and that social media and phones aren’t part of the ‘real life.’  

Although students could get a break from their phone, people find it as classist and that teenagers need technology to fit in with society. In response, club members have also claimed it’s classist to force someone to get a smart phone.