Vive la Résistance!*
😔 Last week was a tough one. Between Elon Musk giving airtime to Alice Weidel, the co-leader of Germany’s far-right AfD party, and Mark Zuckerberg dismantling Meta’s content moderation and DEI programs, the news felt like a series of punches. I shared some initial thoughts about this on LinkedIn, reflecting on how unsettling it is to realize that my generation of geeks helped build the very platforms now fueling these crises.
It’s deeply troubling to see Zuckerberg’s policy shift—essentially a 180-degree turn toward appeasing far-right rhetoric. Fact-checking programs have been scrapped, and content rules on sensitive topics like gender and migration are being loosened under the guise of “free speech.”
For someone who’s spent years in tech, this isn’t just frustrating; it’s terrifying. So, what can we do if we don’t want to stay silent? How can we respond with small acts of respect—or even resistance?
Here’s what helped me last week:
💬 Talked to people I had several lunch dates lined up (a slower start to the year turned out to be a blessing), and those conversations became a real antidote to the heaviness I was feeling. Talking things through, hearing different perspectives, and realizing others see the same patterns helped ease my anxiety. We shared ideas, inspired each other, and felt less alone.
🔧 Reassessed tech choices I’ve already deleted my X account, and last week I said goodbye to Facebook. I also deleted one of my Instagram accounts and “emptied” my personal one. Now I’m assessing what to do with my professional Insta. Beyond social media, I’ve started moving off platforms like Mailchimp. Baby steps, sure, but I’ll keep making these changes. It feels good to prioritize alignment over convenience. Supporting alternatives isn’t always seamless, but it’s worth it to foster better, more ethical tech. I hope more companies in the EU are doing a thorough risk assessment of their tech stack. It’s vital to explore open-source and local solutions to foster digital sovereignty.
💸 Looking into being more Intentional with money I’m making sure my money flows toward the causes and communities I want to support. Whether that’s minority-owned businesses or organizations pushing for change, I’m being more mindful about where my financial support goes.
🚶📢 Planned attending demonstrations Taking to the streets is a powerful way to show up. We’re planning to attend a demonstration in Hamburg on Thursday, and I believe it’s one of the most direct ways to resist. Being present and visible in protest sends a clear message that we won’t stand for hate, disinformation, or the dismantling of democratic principles.
🗳️ Will vote and encourage others to do the same Germany will elect its next government soon, and I’ll make sure to cast my vote for a democratic party. I firmly believe that the far-right party is not an option—they do not subscribe to human rights or our basic democratic rules. I’ll also do my best to encourage others to vote and support democratic values.
📚 Started to educate myself more I'm revisiting resources on non-violent communication, peacemaking, and ethical resistance. Here’s what’s been on my reading list:
Re-read: The Art of Thinking Clearly by Rolf Dobelli and Jeder Mensch by Ferdinand von Schirach.
Next on my pile some German Books: Erste Hilfe für Demokratie-Retter by Jürgen Wiebicke, Empathie und Widerstand by Kristina Lunz and Zukunft: Eine Bedienungsanleitung by Dr. Florence Gaub
I’m also diving deeper into topics around open-source technology and digital sovereignty. Organizations like the Zentrum Digitale Souveränität (ZenDiS) and communities like the Chaos Computer Club—which I’ve been a long-time member of—are excellent resources for anyone looking to better understand the importance of independent, ethical tech solutions.
🔨 Build it, break it, fix it!
And now to every person working in tech: we carry a huge responsibility. Just because the system is broken doesn’t mean we can’t fix it. Whether you’re in charge of product design or software development, you have the power to shape the future. Even if your influence within your organization feels small, you can still find your stance and voice. Take small, deliberate actions to ensure that the future brings more inclusive, participatory, and safe tech for everyone.
Now I’m curious—how are you all navigating this?
What actions have you taken? What’s been weighing on your mind? Let’s share, support, and learn from one another.
* The phrase "Vive la Résistance!" translates from French to "Long live the Resistance!" It historically refers to the French Resistance during World War II, a movement that opposed Nazi occupation in France through acts of sabotage, espionage, and guerrilla warfare.
This post has first been published on LinkedIn on January 14th 2025