{
  "id": 6635517,
  "title": "What the backlash to the Industrial Revolution can teach us about handcrafts in the age of AI",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/10/what-the-backlash-to-the-industrial-revolution-can-teach-us-about",
  "topic": "ai",
  "section": "AI",
  "published": "2026-09-10T20:17:39.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Conversation AU",
    "slug": "the-conversation-au",
    "url": "https://theconversation.com/what-the-backlash-to-the-industrial-revolution-can-teach-us-about-handcrafts-in-the-age-of-ai-287950"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Industrial Revolution sparked a backlash that can offer valuable lessons for the age of artificial intelligence, particularly when it comes to handcrafts. Despite concerns about widespread job losses due to automation, handcrafted goods are experiencing a resurgence in popularity worldwide.\n\nHistorically, the industrial revolution led to the invention of machines like the power loom, which upended traditional textile industries. In response, labor activists known as Luddites protested these changes, highlighting the devastating impact on workers and their communities. However, their concerns were not solely political and economic; they also had cultural and aesthetic dimensions.\n\nThe Arts and Crafts Movement of the late 19th and early 20th century drew inspiration from handcrafted practices, nature, and simplicity as a radical response to industrial abundance. William Morris, a prominent figure in this movement, famously advised, \"Have nothing in your house you do not know to be useful or believe to be beautiful.\"\n\nToday, crafts are more popular than ever, with an estimated nine million Australians participating in some form of art or craft. Craft skills are in demand, with over 116,000 people employed in related fields in Australia. Crafting can be an expensive hobby, but the cost can be offset by using affordable, locally sourced materials. Despite the growth of online sales, local specialty shops continue to thrive, reflecting an enduring appreciation for handmade goods.\n\nThe appeal of crafting lies in its ability to provide a sense of control and agency in an increasingly automated world. Unlike AI-driven work, crafts require imagination and fine motor skills, offering a tangible sense of achievement and connection to our ancestors. This human-scale approach to making can promote sustainability, as it encourages repair, reuse, and mindful consumption. By engaging in craft practices, individuals can foster a deeper connection to their communities and heritage, bridging generations through shared traditions.",
  "summary": "Anxiety about automation dates back hundreds of years.",
  "key_points": [
    "Industrial Revolution sparked backlash that offers lessons for AI age",
    "Handcrafted goods see worldwide resurgence despite automation concerns",
    "Arts and Crafts Movement responded to industrial abundance with handcrafted practices"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Phys.org",
        "title": "What the backlash to the Industrial Revolution can teach us about handcrafts in the age of AI",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/11/what-the-backlash-to-the-industrial-revolution-can-teach-us-about",
        "published": "2026-09-11T12:00:09.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}