refusenik

The nickname for a growing number of individuals who are avoiding technology in general, including GAFA, big tech and especially Facebook. To be a "refusenik" can also refer to any type of technology one avoids. For example, instead of joining the social networking site themselves, Facebook refuseniks often enlists friends and relatives to be their online mouthpieces.

HIstorical perspective: They are called refuseniks because living in the 21st century, many of them can't truly refuse the lure of Facebook. According to many refuseniks, it's offensive to even ask a refusenik to get a Facebook account. When someone tells you that they don't have Facebook, it's considered a sign of disrespect to try to convince them otherwise.

Another example is a cell phone refusenik. As of 2009, 85 percent of American adults own a cell phone, but there's a small but stubborn contingent--the cell phone refuseniks--who still don't want one. There are a variety of reasons why people don't want a cell phone, let alone a smartphone, in their life including wanting to "be mindful" and "living in the moment." There are also many individuals who are defiant TV refuseniks.