In 2025, I am taking a step towards digital freedom – I call it #Bigtexit25. The goal is to free myself from the grip of Big Tech through a controlled exit, where I regain control of my digital life.
We have been accumulating “dependency debt” to technology giants for years, and now it’s time to pay it back.
Why now?
For years, we have been accumulating “dependency debt” to technology giants who have lent us their seemingly free services. Meanwhile, we have forgotten to develop and support independent alternatives and paid services, where we are the customer instead of the product. We moved from blogs to Facebook and forgot about RSS feeds. We shared pictures on Instagram instead of supporting open-source alternatives or paid photo services. We let ourselves be informed by algorithms designed to keep us engaged rather than to inform us, while traditional news sources, where we paid for quality content, are struggling.
This is not a direct reaction to the new American government, but the political situation has made it clear that the time is ripe for change. Big Tech’s influence on democracy and society increasingly exceeds the power of states and governments.
Dependency debt must be repaid
We must accept a small step back to move forward. Fortunately, the world outside Big Tech has evolved while we were away. The Fediverse now offers an ecosystem based on common standards and data ownership – a beautiful blend of the 90s and 00s internet with modern interfaces.
This is part of a larger realization. Since the fall of the wall, we have accumulated various forms of dependency debt: Cheap products from China. Cheap energy from Russia. Savings on defense based on false peace. “Free” digital services from Big Tech.
It is time to pay back, both with money and effort. Good digital services cost – either directly through payment or indirectly through our personal data. It will not be easy to switch to paying for what we once thought was free, but it is necessary – and can also be fun.
My path to digital freedom
#BigTexit25 is about gradually reducing my digital dependency debt throughout 2025. This involves supporting independent, paid services that respect my privacy and my data. I realize that I paradoxically must use the very same platforms to achieve this goal and inspire others to follow.
Besides products where we pay with our dependency and time, there are also other major, primarily American products that I will work away from for other reasons. It is clear that we must stand together and build a strong and democratic Europe. This also means that we must support European choices where we can. Even if it requires a sacrifice or an adjustment. For example, I can easily say Jolly to my Cola 😉
Are you ready to take the first step out of dependency and start paying the true price for the digital services we use?