Anticomputer refers to a concept or ideology that opposes or stands in opposition to computers and the pervasive role they play in modern society. It encompasses a range of viewpoints that criticize or reject the impact of computers on humanity, while advocating for alternatives to digital technologies.
An anticomputer perspective views computers as highly mechanized and industrialized devices that dehumanize individuals, inhibit critical thinking, impede creativity, and erode social connections. It questions the reliance on technology, arguing that it can compromise privacy, security, and personal agency. Advocates of anticomputer ideologies often argue for a return to manual or traditional methods of accomplishing tasks, resisting the rapid advancement and widespread integration of computers into various domains of life.
Opponents of computers typically emphasize the potential ethical, environmental, and social consequences of their expansive use, highlighting concerns such as job displacement, information overload, and loss of human touch. They may advocate for reduced screen time, the resurgence of analog tools, and the cultivation of interpersonal relationships without digital intermediaries.
However, it is important to note that anticomputer sentiment is not universally shared, and the term is often employed in a critical or rhetorical context rather than as a widely accepted school of thought. Views on the role of computers in society vary significantly, and the opposing perspective may be referred to as pro-computer or computer-positive.
