No technology should be integrated into one’s life absentmindedly. This section provides some suggestions on how to take more ownership of the technology you decide to use.

Ask Questions#

Before installing an app / buying a new gadget, consider the following questions.

Why use it?

Do yourself a favour and simply reject the things you don't need. Many predatory tech companies' business models fail at the first hurdle if you do this.

How does it work?

To the best of your ability, consider the operations the technology executes. Some may be necessary, other not. Some will be invisible. In the case of apps, for example, consider the permissions (why does every app ask for internet access?). Reject the app if you are not satisfied. If you feel unsure about how something works, ask someone you trust.

What's your strategy?

How are you going to enforce your own will on the technology? What features will you avoid? What things will you resolve to never use? Carve out your own path within the technology. Do not be bullied.

The order of the questions is important. If you have no good reason to use a particular technology, don’t. Move on. Having your own strategy is also crucial, since many technologies are engineered away from your best interests. Social media is a good example: you must have a plan for avoiding all algorithmically generated infinite feeds (using social media on a computer can help).

Aim Higher#

Where on the grid below would you place the technology that you use? Everything you use could be considered as ranking somewhere between useful and useless - between respectful and abusive.

Useful but abusive

  • A lot of the world’s biggest tech companies focus their efforts here.
  • Beware. Predators live here.

Useful and respectful

  • Aim for here at all times.
  • Many technologies exist in this region, but enjoying them requires going against the grain.
  • Check out the page on alternative software to get started.

Useless

  • More things exist here than you might think. We all accumulate things we don’t use / need.
  • How many apps have you downloaded and soon abandoned?
  • Every app has its own access point into your life. Avoiding the unnecessary ones is highly advisable.

Aim higher. High and to the right, specifically.