How to Ditch Big Tech

Our tech overlords suck. And I’m trying to divest myself from the worst of the worst.

Not only are tech billionaires building dick rockets, supporting MAGA, and spreading the wealth gap to obscene proportions, they’re just fucking gross. And they’ve built tools that surveil us, sell out us to the highest bidders, and subvert our democratic processes.

And, of course, all of them are investing big in AI. Even for those of you who might not have grown up under the threat of Skynet, this is dicey shit. And most Americans hate AI anyway.

If you’re starting to feel sick about using Google, Amazon, Spotify, Microsoft, others, and looking to escape the almighty algorithm, here’s some things I’m trying, articles I’m reading, and more that might help.

Guides

A running list of podcasts, articles, and more that are guiding me as I ditch big tech:

• Off the Grid Podcast: A podcast about creativity and business outside of social media. The host, Amelia, also has some great free and paid tools about step-by-step processes for quitting social media and other tools. Start here: How to Breakup with Google, Amazon, and Spotify.

• Offline Crush: I’ve shared several pieces from this author in the newsletter because they’re that great. She’s teaching us how to relearn the internet, and make magic again.

• Creativity in the Time of Capitalism: A podcast that talks to creators (with an emphasis in design) about making in late-stage capitalism, and how to go our own ways.

Tools

How do we replace all the tech? After lots of research, here's what I'm doing.

Instead of:

• Google Chrome → Firefox, baby. I’m a long time user and it’s great.

• Google Search → Kagi. Ad-free search is mind-blowing.

• Gmail → Proton. Privacy focused email.

• Meta → I ditched FB a long time ago. I’ve scaled down Instagram as much as possible, and stopped posting in favor of a 9-grid. But I can feel the final goodbye coming…

• Amazon → I’m trying to buy direct from retailers. I also cancelled Prime, and that felt lovely.

• Spotify → This one is still tough. I love discovering music and making playlists (and mixtapes!). Apple Music always felt a bit corporate and Billboard-y. Bandcamp is lovely, but discovery is a little tougher. Soundcloud is fine, but a lot of spam. So I’m trying a combination of Qobuz and IndieShuffle. I’ll keep you posted ⚡️

Analog

Rediscover the joy of handheld things, baby! And if you are new to record players, cassettes, physical books and media, and more, check out some introductions and explorations.

Notes

It’s impossible to divest fully from big tech. Amazon’s AWS runs some of the world’s biggest websites, even government. Meta and Google run fucking everything else.

Not to mention, because of how it’s all set up, these are the only options for many people around the world.

But we can make small steps based on our specific circumstances. We can decide what we’re willing to accept and support. And keep adjusting and trying new things.

This isn’t some performative bullshit. This isn’t about feeling morally superior to people who use these tools. It’s about deciding what you want to support with your time and money. That’s it.

Let’s do this.

Rebel Yell Creative helps you make art as resistance. Have ideas on how to ditch big tech? Comment below!