The dependence on big tech's social media platforms is no longer sustainable. With moderation and fact-checking getting banned and big tech's power increasingly intertwined with political power, it is time to move to better alternatives. Waag Futurelab, Bits of Freedom, PublicSpaces, DeGoedeZaak and Noorderlicht are therefore launching the #MakeSocialsSocialAgain campaign. Our coalition calls on cultural and social organisations and users to actively engage in alternative social media platforms that safeguard public values.
Time for a transition
Earlier, Bits of Freedom called on Dutch governments to move away from big tech's social media. But there is more at play. Social organisations and individual users are also struggling with their dependence on big tech. For example, how do you keep in touch with your followers and networks if you leave Instagram, Facebook or X?
The good news: there are now alternatives. It is possible to share news and updates with friends and followers without using big tech.
The #MakeSocialsSocialAgain campaign helps organisations and individuals get started with these alternatives. The campaign website provides information on alternatives, how-to's on how to use these alternatives and across the country we will organise meetups on this transition in the coming months.
Because, a positive sound we can well use in these difficult times. There are public alternatives and it is possible to become less dependent on big tech. We call on everyone to stop waiting and take action.
Big tech is intertwined with political power
Social media are potentially digital village squares where insights and opinions can be amongst people around the world. That governance over and access to these squares is in the hands of a handful of big tech companies was enough of a concern in itself. But now that these billionaires are trying to realise their own political agenda through their platforms, it is time to draw our conclusions and ensure that we are no longer dependent on these platforms.
Last week, Meta, the parent company of Instagram, Whatsapp and Facebook, announced it would stop using fact checkers and stop intervening in hate speech and discrimination. Moreover, Meta also scrapped its diversity and inclusion programme last week. Zuckerberg is not the first tech billionaire to partner with Trump. Elon Musk preceded him. Since Musk took over X, the platform has been a breeding ground for disinformation, hate speech and political manipulation. His announced role as head of the US ‘department of government efficiency’ symbolises the marriage between big tech and political power. And this is not just limited to the US: Musk's political meddling also extends into Europe.
Social media with public values
‘Among public institutions, companies and individual users, there is great discomfort about the use of these platforms, but at the same time we don't think we can do without them anymore. The #MakeSocialsSocialAgain campaign shows that things can be different. Now is the time to really commit to social media based on open source software, open standards and open democratic governance. By becoming part of this movement, you build a presence,’ said Marleen Stikker, director of Waag Futurelab.
We call on everyone to support the campaign and we hope to get as big a movement off the ground as possible. Together, we will make social media truly social again.
See how you can contribute: www.makesocialssocialagain.nl
Waag about alternatives to big tech
The attention on alternative social media platforms is growing. Waag talked with Trouw, de Volkskrant, RTL Nieuws, BNR Digitaal, NRC and Radio 1 about alternatives to big tech .
Do you also want to become less dependent on big tech's social media platforms? Join us at one of the Socials meetups at the Waag where you can come to our consultation hour with all your questions around social media. Check out the agenda.
