bsqt

A call to action

Thu, 17 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Have you ever wondered why achieving your life’s dreams seems so challenging? It’s not due to a lack of personal effort or the latest innovations making them more accessible. The answer lies in something more fundamental and pervasive: politics.

We’ve been led to believe that politics is irrelevant to our daily lives, but nothing could be further from the truth. The moral vacuum and lack of inspiration in politics have significantly shaped our world, from the rise of the Third Reich to the rapid changes in the US today. In Germany, the best leaders the political system has to offer are a “CumEx-Scholz” and a “Lobby-Merz,” so it’s no surprise that people are looking for change. If the AfD were to gain power in Germany, the impact would be dramatic.

By choosing to be apolitical, we inadvertently support the existing system and its trajectory. Unfortunately, the current system is increasingly indifferent to your well-being and aspirations. The right-wing exploits this situation, claiming to have solutions, but history has shown us the dangers of such promises. Authoritarian politics poses a significant threat to the pluralism and freedoms we enjoy today. If our situation is taught in schools in the future, students will ask, “Why didn’t the people do anything about it?”

I believe that one of the most pressing issues of our time is wealth inequality. In 2023, an estimated 1.5% of the world’s adults control 47.52% of global wealth, and this figure is likely even higher when considering hidden and offshore assets. This level of inequality is unacceptable and spans all countries. Imagine this: If global wealth were evenly distributed among the world’s 5.5 billion adults, each person would have approximately €80,000. While perfect equality is unrealistic, the current distribution is alarming. The money concentrated among the wealthy could be used to dramatically improve living conditions for all.

Bold political change can address these issues. By properly taxing excessive wealth, we could fund public goods such as affordable healthcare, quality education, green spaces and parks, and climate change measures. However, for politics to change, we need widespread support. We need a critical mass of engaged citizens dedicated to voicing their discontent and proposing alternative solutions. This means getting involved in non-profits, political parties, and volunteering our time and skills.

If we only actively work for what we are paid for, we trust that the system incentivizes what is needed for us to prosper. But if we believe this is not the case right now, it is imperative that we volunteer and take action.

Activism doesn’t have to be a chore. It can be a rewarding experience where you exercise your skills in meaningful ways, meet like-minded individuals, and create lasting connections. This is your call to action—to get involved and make a difference, for yourself and for the world.

Technological progress doesn't drive human well-being. But what does?

Tue, 25 Feb 2025 00:00:00 +0000

In 2023, Marc Andreessen, a prominent venture capitalist in the tech world, published the Techno Optimist Manifesto, presenting the idea of technological progress as the ultimate solution for human well-being. An excerpt from the manifesto:

We believe technology is a lever on the world – the way to make more with less.

Economists measure technological progress as productivity growth: How much more we can produce each year with fewer inputs, fewer raw materials. Productivity growth, powered by technology, is the main driver of economic growth, wage growth, and the creation of new industries and new jobs, as people and capital are continuously freed to do more important, valuable things than in the past.

Productivity growth causes prices to fall, supply to rise, and demand to expand, improving the material well being of the entire population.

We believe this is the story of the material development of our civilization; this is why we are not still living in mud huts, eking out a meager survival and waiting for nature to kill us.

— Mark Andreesen, Techno Optimist Manifesto

The manifesto has been well-received, particularly within the tech community, where there is a widespread belief that innovation will solve our most pressing problems, like the significant enthusiasm surrounding the potential of Artificial Intelligence to improve living conditions.

Undoubtedly, human ingenuity and invention have brought significant benefits to the world. Technological advancements have revolutionized industries like healthcare, leading to longer life expectancies, reduced infant mortality rates, and enhanced quality of life for many. However, I’d like to raise the question: Can technological progress alone address the pressing challenges of our time?

On human needs

Human happiness does not infinitely increase with greater access to advanced technology and material possessions. I argue that this materialistic perspective on well-being is a trap.

Human needs are often misunderstood, yet they are fundamentally simple. True fulfillment lies in understanding and meeting some basic requirements. Our needs, in order of priority, are:

Security and Physical Needs

At the core of our existence is the need for safety, health, and comfort. These foundational needs, when unmet, hinder our ability to focus on personal growth and societal contributions.

Humans are inherently social beings. Meaningful connections with friends and family provide a sense of belonging and emotional support, which technology can enhance but not replace.

Self-Esteem

Self-worth and a sense of accomplishment are vital. We want to feel respected and valued for our contributions.

Purpose and Value Fulfillment

Engaging in activities that align with our values and contribute to something larger than ourselves fosters a deeper sense of fulfillment.

I invite you to consider whether this hierarchy of needs aligns with your intuition. Additionally, consider how technology fits into this framework for you?

The main drivers for technology

While technology can address some of these needs, improving our living conditions is not the primary driver for its development. So then why do we seek technological advancement?

I argue the biggest drivers for technology are:

Human Drive for Discovery and Building

This inherent positive driver is a key factor in technological advancement. People are naturally curious and enjoy the process of creating and building. This drive has led to some of the most significant technological achievements in history. For instance, Tim Berners-Lee’s invention of the World Wide Web revolutionised global communication and information sharing. Many people that pursue academic careers are motivated by this.

Human Drive for Wealth, Power, or Status

The desire to gain a competitive edge is a strong motivator for innovation. Whether it’s between companies, nations, or individuals, the need to secure or maintain an advantage is ever-present. This drive manifests in various ways from the pursuit of military superiority to the access to resources on Mars. One of the most significant drivers perhaps is the competition between countries and ideologies. Many people in politics and business are driven by this competitive spirit.

The human drive for competition may just be the strongest force for technological advancement in our modern world. Governments wield an incredible amount of power and wish to retain the status quo, so do companies. Countries compete for status and ideology, companies compete for status and financial success

Technology for efficiency gains

So, what’s the problem? If the main incentive for technology is to gain a competitive edge, then the primary objective becomes outperforming what already exists rather than solving current problems.

This focus on continuous efficiency gains can lead to a cycle where the emphasis is on staying ahead rather than improving living conditions. Even more so, this pursuit can lead to a relentless cycle where human contributions are pushed to their limits, whether it’s through late-night stays in tech companies or exploitation in factories in the developing world.

And what is this all for? The modern work culture often demands long hours, leaving people exhausted and craving quick getaways. We’ve become obsessed with maximizing efficiency, including resource-intensive air travel, to reach vacation spots swiftly on limited time. But what if we restructured our lives and work patterns? We could advocate for a lifestyle that allows for extended journeys, exploring the world at a slower pace, be it through cycling adventures, train rides through the countryside, or backpacking trips.

The relentless pursuit of material wealth and resources is a vicious cycle. We grind ourselves to provide a seemingly better life for us and for others, but this often translates to more work-related stress and less time to enjoy. The very products and services we strive to afford are, ironically, require demanding work.

The Rat Race of Technological Progress

Like mice racing towards a piece of cheese, people and companies need to keep up-to-date with the rapid pace of technological advancement to stay ahead.

Technological Complexity

The more technology we have, the more complex something gets, the harder it is to enter. The complexity of the technology adds additional complexity to the domain that we are working in. Besides being an expert in the respective field, we need to keep up with technological advancements.

Information Overload

The relentless need to stay informed can cause stress and anxiety. Now that our communication is faster than ever before, the constant influx of information makes it difficult to discern what is truly relevant.

Cognitive load

Digital technologies may also lead to increased cognitive load. As technology enabled us to do more virtually, it removed routine, physical work. This routine, almost meditative work may have been a significant force for our well-being and recovery. Whereas we used to focus on one project at a time, we may now need to juggle several at once and feel the need to get done with them more quickly.

Unleveling the playing field

Furthermore, modern technology is highly specialized, enabling only a select few to compete at the highest levels. Success in this arena often requires access to quality education, advanced technical equipment, and substantial financial resources. This situation can lead to a divide where skilled, early adopters secure a significant competitive edge over those who lag behind.

Technology as a Crutch

In our quest for convenience, technology can sometimes work against us. Some technologies may provide short-term benefits but can become a crutch over time, potentially leading to unintended consequences.

To illustrate, consider the following quote from Marc Andreessen’s manifesto:

We had a problem of starvation, so we invented the Green Revolution.

And so came obesity and the need for medical procedures and fitness.

We had a problem of cold, so we invented indoor heating.

And for that we use oil and gas that bound carbon in the ground, and is now increasing the concentration of CO₂ in the atmosphere to problematic levels.

As a personal example, I realized significant benefits in my posture and the elimination of my back pain when I replaced cushioned shoes with barefoot shoes and an ergonomic office chair with a gymnastics ball. This was the moment when I realized I needed to be more critical of my use of technology.

Many modern conveniences and technologies are designed to make our lives easier and more comfortable. However, they may have unintended consequences.

A crutch for society - Part 1: Technology facilitating communication and communities

We had a problem of isolation, so we invented the Internet.

Technology has revolutionized the way we communicate and form communities. It has broken down geographical barriers, enabling us to connect with people across the globe instantaneously. This has led to the formation of diverse online communities where individuals can share interests, support each other, and advocate for causes. However, this ease of communication and community building comes with its own set of challenges:

Superficial Connections

While technology allows us to connect with more people, these connections can often be superficial. The depth of interaction in online communities may not match that of in-person relationships, leading to a sense of isolation despite being constantly connected.

Echo Chambers

Online communities can become echo chambers where individuals only engage with like-minded people, reinforcing existing beliefs and limiting exposure to diverse viewpoints. This can hinder personal growth and critical thinking.

Misinformation Spread

The rapid dissemination of information in online communities can also facilitate the spread of misinformation. Without proper verification, false information can quickly gain traction, leading to confusion and mistrust. In a recent study, Facebook users were neither more satisfied with their lives compared to non-Facebook users, but higher Facebook usage duration was negatively associated with life satisfaction.¹

While technology has undeniably enhanced our ability to communicate and form communities, it is essential to be mindful of these challenges. Reflect on how your online interactions shape your perceptions and relationships, and consider the role of technology in fostering meaningful connections.

A crutch for society - Part 2: The complexity of technology

As technology advances, it often introduces new layers of complexity into our lives. While these innovations aim to simplify tasks and improve efficiency, they can also create a sense of overwhelm and disempowerment.

The popular American scientist Carl Sagan shared his prevelations in 1995:

I have a foreboding of an America in my children’s or grandchildren’s time — when the United States is a service and information economy; when nearly all the manufacturing industries have slipped away to other countries; when awesome technological powers are in the hands of a very few, and no one representing the public interest can even grasp the issues; when the people have lost the ability to set their own agendas or knowledgeably question those in authority; when, clutching our crystals and nervously consulting our horoscopes, our critical faculties in decline, unable to distinguish between what feels good and what’s true, we slide, almost without noticing, back into superstition and darkness…

The dumbing down of American is most evident in the slow decay of substantive content in the enormously influential media, the 30 second sound bites (now down to 10 seconds or less), lowest common denominator programming, credulous presentations on pseudoscience and superstition, but especially a kind of celebration of ignorance

— Carl Sagan - The Demon-Haunted World: Science as a Candle in the Dark (1995)

While Sagan’s perspective is America-centric, I believe it resonates with a large part of the service and information economies worldwide. The complexity of our world, coupled with events like job loss due to global market collapses, can leave people feeling stranded and desperate for answers. In their search for solutions, they may turn to questionable sources or charlatans.

This complexity can lead to a sense of disempowerment, where individuals feel they have little control over their circumstances. It is crucial to foster critical thinking and digital literacy to navigate this complex landscape effectively. By empowering individuals to understand and engage with technology, we can mitigate feelings of overwhelm and ensure that technological advancements serve as tools for progress rather than sources of disempowerment.

Technology access is not equal

While technology promises to democratize information and opportunities, the reality is that access to these benefits is far from equal. The digital divide—the gap between those who have access to new technologies and those who do not—persists and even widens in many parts of the world.

I have personally witnessed conditions in slums in Kenya, where people live in metal huts without access to running water or electricity. This would be unthinkable for anyone in my home country Germany. The latest AI models cost thousands of dollars per execution.² This economic disparity can limit educational and employment opportunities, further increasing the divide between the rich and the poor.

Disparities may arise due to economic situations, geographic locations, education levels, and social or cultural barriers. It is evident that we do not prioritize enabling equal access to technologies.

So what brings happiness?

Earlier, we discussed human needs and how technology may not fully address them. The challenge lies in our subjective and relative perspective on fulfillment. Seeing others with luxuries on social media can create an artificial sense of inferiority, diminishing our self-esteem.

Yale Professor Laurie Santos, who studies the human mind, writes:

And so the upshot is that there are things we can do to become happier, but most of the goals we think are going to make us happy don’t actually make us happy. […] Our minds’ strongest intuitions are often totally wrong

While increasing material access may seem like the answer to some of our problems, it typically is not. Various mechanisms of our minds work against us.

Humans tend to adapt to new comforts and stop appreciating what they have. Fostering gratitude can be more effective than constantly seeking more.

Humans get used to things and stop appreciating the comfort that they have. How quickly does that early feeling fade that made us appreciate our new purchase. Fostering gratitude is much more effective than getting into a cycle of buying more and more.

Furthermore, our tendency to compare ourselves also diminishes the value our material possesions. The medieval peasant might have desired a horse, and while the modern worker may be able to get it, he now aspires to a sports car.

In her course “The Science of Well-Being” on Coursera, Laurie Santos’ takes us on a journey to understand how our mind works against us and what actually will make you happy. I highly recommend that you review it, if you are struggling.

You may wonder how it can be that our intuitions tend to be wrong. It has a lot to do with our culture.

A culture that creates unhappy people

One of the biggest issues in modern society is that people often do not understand themselves. They assume that what is advertised to them is what they need, jumping from one trend to another, only to find that these pursuits do not bring lasting fulfillment. This confusion is exacerbated by the constant exposure to marketing, sales tactics, and influencers promoting the “ultimate solution” to happiness and success.

The fundamental issue is that many have never been guided to understand what they genuinely need. Without this self-awareness, people are susceptible to external influences that may not align with their true values and interests. This can lead to a cycle of dissatisfaction, as individuals chase after fleeting trends and material possessions that do not fulfill their deeper needs.

This understanding is not typically taught in schools. A great example of how culture shapes happiness is work hours. Somehow, the world has agreed that we work five days a week and rest for two. By convention, we limit our productivity to five days per week, illustrating how cultural norms can influence our perception of work-life balance and fulfillment. I dare to say we could challenge this convention?

Let’s Unlock Well-Being for All

Well-being is an attitude, and a self-reflective person will discover this. The way we enable ourselves and others to achieve well-being is by having our culture provide the right support. Thus, I believe the true lever of our happiness is our culture. We must decide how much we want to fuel technological progress and how much we value rest and balance in our lives.

Let’s shift our culture to prioritize well-being and balance.

Let's boycott mainstream tech

Tue, 18 Feb 2025 00:00:00 +0000

For far too long, we’ve adopted new technologies without fully considering their broader implications. Platforms like Google and Amazon offer great convenience, but this convenience comes at a cost—our complacency towards deeper issues. It’s crucial to examine its darker side to ensure we’re using it responsibly and ethically.

Disclaimer:

The digital age has brought unprecedented convenience and connectivity, thanks in part to the efforts of big tech companies. They comprised of talented professionals, each contributing to the digital world that has brought a lot of good. While few individuals may have malicious intent, the collective actions of these organizations leads to unintended consequences and power dynamics that impact society in profound ways. This is what I wish to discuss.

The Dark Side of Mainstream Technologies

Mainstream technologies come with significant concerns that affect us all. Problems that were once limited to technologies from countries like China and Russia are now spreading to American companies, due to increasing government control and surveillance. You might think technology is neutral, but it’s far from it. Here’s why:

Economic effects: Eight of the world’s ten most valuable companies are tech companies, including tech giants like Apple, Meta (Facebook), and Alphabet (Google). Their financial success translates to immense power and influence. We must question if these profits are used to benefit society as a whole and if we’re investing in the right areas.
Cultural influences: We spend a significant portion of our time online with technology, with consistent estimates of around 6 hours spent online per day.¹ As the default standards on the internet, these technologies wield immense cultural influence. With little transparency into their architecture and programming, we can’t be sure if they’re optimising for our best interests or manipulating our opinions and emotions.
Information control: Data is the new gold, and companies like Meta (Facebook) mine it relentlessly. How else does a company that doesn’t charge its users, become one of the most valuable companies in the world? The vast amounts of data collected raise significant privacy concerns, and users often have little control over how their data is used. In the worst case this information can also be weaponized to influence public opinion.

Economy

Antitrust and Monopolistic Practices

Tech companies, due to their nature, often tend towards monopolization. The internet and digital technologies enable rapid scaling, and once a company dominates the market, it can stifle competition. This leads to reduced innovation, limited consumer choice, and potential abuse of power. For example, the smartphone market is dominated by two American companies, Apple with iOS and Google with Android, both among the highest-valued companies globally. This dominance allows them to charge significant fees in their app stores, such as 30% on the App Store², further consolidating their market control.

Foreign Tech Tax

When consumers use mainstream payment systems and e-commerce platforms to purchase goods, a significant portion of the revenue generated often goes to big tech companies. For example, shopping on Amazon involves paying a percentage of the revenue to VISA (1.5%³) and Amazon (>50%⁴), rather than just the local seller. For non-Americans, this dynamic can result in more money leaving the local economy than is paid in taxes. Given how standard these technologies have become, it essentially functions as a tax rather than paying to gain a competitive advantage. We must consider whether we are willing toaccept this situation.

New technologies

Big tech companies, with their vast financial resources and expertise, are poised to dominate emerging digital fields like artificial intelligence (AI). This dominance can create significant barriers for new companies trying to compete, especially in rapidly evolving industries. If we don’t actively support and invest in diverse startups and technologies, we risk stifling innovation and limiting the potential for technological advancements to serve the social and public good. By fostering a competitive environment that nurtures a wide range of innovations, we can drive progress that benefits society as a whole and ensures that technology serves the greater good.

Culture

Problematic Leadership

The tech industry’s most prominent figures, such as Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg, possess undeniable technical and entrepreneurial prowess. However, their leadership is questioned by disturbing conduct that raises serious concerns. Musk, in particular, has been known to promote right-extremist conspiracy theories, which raises serious concerns about the influence he wields. For instance, he has amplified false narratives about USAID, suggesting that the agency’s humanitarian programs are a cover for biowarfare research, a claim that has been debunked by all US intelligence agencies. He made a gesture resembling a Nazi salute during the presedential inauguration, which was celebrated by right-wing extremists. His association with controversial figures and his promotion of divisive content have further fueled concerns about his leadership and the potential misuse of his influence. Given these troubling patterns, it is crucial to question whether individuals like Musk should be entrusted with power and control over communication and information platforms. Their actions not only undermine public trust but also contribute to the spread of misinformation and extremist ideologies.

Next I’m buying Coca-Cola to put the cocaine back in — Elon Musk⁵

Even more troubling is the trend of the country hosting most tech companies and holding regulatory power over them increasingly turning into a totalitarian regime under the leadership of Trump and Musk.

Lack of Transparency

Big tech companies operate as black boxes, with little to no transparency into how their algorithms work. This lack of transparency makes it impossible for users to understand how their data is being used or how content is being curated for them. It’s a system that prioritizes corporate interests over user autonomy and privacy.

Power Imbalance

Tech companies inherently possess greater technical expertise than the average user. Additionally, users may not be aware of the psychological tactics these companies employ to capture and retain their attention. With substantial resources, tech companies can hire top talent to develop sophisticated strategies that maximize user engagement. The complexity of technology, coupled with low digital literacy among the average users, makes it challenging for individuals to fully understand the implications of their online activities. This imbalance in knowledge and resources creates a power dynamic that favors tech companies over their users.

Given the lack of transparency and the business models of these platforms, it’s reasonable to be cautious. Social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and X are designed to maximize your engagement. The more time you spend on these platforms, the more ads they can show you, which translates to increased revenue. Unfortunately, this often means prioritizing attention-grabbing tactics over enhancing your well-being or enjoyment. These platforms frequently exploit negative emotions to keep you engaged, rather than promoting positive experiences. As of 2024, Facebook earned $49.63 per user annually, marking a fourfold increase since 2015.⁶ This growth indicates that Meta is becoming increasingly adept at monetizing user attention. Let’s value our time and consider whether spending hours on these platforms is truly the best use of it.

Political bias

They claim to be neutral and to serve content that users want to see, but there is a lack of transparency in this process. Technology is not neutral; it is programmed to behave in specific ways. At best, these systems optimize for user attention, often by amplifying negative emotions because they generate the most engagement. At worst, they may intentionally steer political opinions in a particular direction. Even without explicit bias, the complexity of tech systems, modern AI algorithms, and the implicit actions of their programmers can inadvertently introduce biases and influence outcomes if not carefully monitored.

Information

The Transparent Digital Human

Did you know that the messages you send and the documents you share can be read in plain text? While it’s unlikely that humans are reviewing this data, companies can use data science and AI to create incredibly detailed personal profiles. By understanding what’s important to you, companies can, at best, show you targeted advertisements for products and, at worst, influence your opinions. In the hands of an authoritarian government, this capability becomes an incredible power. Although it’s unlikely that a human will review this information, it’s not impossible. You may become a person of interest at any time, at which point your data may not only be analyzed by technology but also actively scrutinized to compromise you.

Digital Currency

Meta is one of the largest companies globally, yet the typical Facebook user doesn’t directly pay for the profits it generates. Instead, the data collected about users is incredibly valuable. This data allows Meta to persuade companies that its targeted ads are more effective than traditional advertising channels like newspapers. By leveraging user data, Meta can offer advertisers precise targeting options, ensuring that ads reach the most receptive audiences. This model has proven highly lucrative, enabling Meta to generate substantial revenue.

Fuel for new ventures

The data that tech companies collect isn’t just used for advertising; it also fuels their ventures into new technologies like AI. This data is a form of digital currency, allowing companies to innovate and expand their influence. By controlling this data, big tech companies can shape the future of technology and society, often at the expense of privacy and individual rights.

Privacy Concerns

The vast amounts of data collected by these companies raise significant privacy concerns. Users often have little transparency about the collection and little control over how their data is used by the companies that collect it, and data might be sold or breached, exposing sensitive information to malicious actors. Many of these companies are located in regions with lax privacy laws.

The Alternatives Aren’t That Bad. And If Supported, They Will Only Get Better

Are we truly free in the digital age? How do we define and protect individual autonomy in a world where data is the new currency? What is the responsibility of tech companies in shaping the future of humanity? There are numerous tech companies and startups offering competitive alternatives to those of tech giants. By supporting alternatives that prioritize user agency, individuals can regain control over their digital lives and foster an ecosystem that empowers users rather than controls them. From messaging apps like Threema and Signal to social media platforms like Mastodon and Pixelfed, these alternatives provide similar services while respecting user privacy and autonomy.

Reclaim Agency

We hold power over these technologies. Our power lies in our usage — the time and attention we devote to these platforms, which translates into valuable data and ad revenue. Our engagement makes these services more attractive to others, as it increases their user base. By consciously choosing where we invest our time and attention, we can shape the digital landscape to better serve our interests.

A New Era

I’d like to invite you to try. To be honest, embracing a new digital lifestyle won’t be seamless. It might feel unusual to pay for services we’ve grown accustomed to using for free, like email. However, developing and maintaining digital infrastructure isn’t cost-free, and ethical companies need alternative revenue streams when they choose not to profile users. Some functionalities might not perform as smoothly as those offered by tech giants with massive budgets, but the sense of liberation will be worth it.

Rome wasn’t built in a day, and neither will our journey towards digital freedom. We’re deeply entwined with products and technologies from these tech giants, so don’t expect an overnight transformation. What matters is your intention and the consistent, small steps you take towards a more conscious digital life. It’s about staying aware, questioning the status quo, and sharing this message with others.

One project that can significantly aid you on this journey is the Opt Out Project. It offers resources and support for those seeking to regain control over their digital lives. I’d be delighted if you joined me in this quest for digital autonomy. Over the next few months, I’ll be sharing tips on how to make this transition. Follow my blog and subscribe to stay informed and inspired as we take control of our digital lives together. I’d also love to hear your feedback.

The alternatives aren’t that bad. And if supported, they will only get better There are numerous tech companies and startups offering competitive alternatives to those of tech giants. By supporting alternatives that give users more digital agency, users can regain some control over their digital lives and fund an ecosystem that empowers users rather than control them. From messaging apps like Threema and Signal to social media platforms like Mastodon and Pixelfed, those alternatives can provide similar services.

Statista - Average daily time spent using the internet by online users worldwide from 3rd quarter 2015 to 3rd quarter 2024, fetched February 21st 2025 In the following, I want to deep-dive into each of these aspects. ↩︎
Apple Insider - Every Apple App Store fee, explained: How much, for what, and when, fetched February 25th 2025 ↩︎
Amazon.com - Interchange and Merchant Service Fees, fetched February 21st 2025 ↩︎
Marketplace Pulse, fetched February 21st 2025 ↩︎
Tweet by Elon Musk. While obviously a joke, it demonstrates a questionable perspective on freedom. ↩︎
Statista - Average revenue per user (ARPU) of Meta Platforms from 2011 to 2024 ↩︎

Attributions

Sun, 18 Feb 2024 00:00:00 +0000

First of all, thanks to my family and friends that are an inspiration and community to me.

This website is hosted by the amazing team at Uberspace, which besides providing a great hosting service is challening capitalist norms.

This blog built with Hugo, a community-driven initiative for a great blogging framework.

The beautiful Hugu theme Stack was designed by Jimmy Cai.

I use AI to refine my texts. Notably, Mistral, a AI company based in France and Hugging Face chat for access to Open Source models.

Privacy Policy

Sun, 18 Feb 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Introduction

Welcome to bsqt.world. This Privacy Policy explains how I handle your personal data when you visit my website. I am committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring that your personal data is handled in accordance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).

Personal Data Collected

The web server used to serve the content of this site, Nginx, automatically logs certain information about your visits to my website. This includes:

Your IP address
The date and time of your visit
The pages you accessed
Your browser type and operating system

This information is used for diagnostic and security purposes. The logs are stored securely and are only accessible to me or authorized personnel at my hosting provider Uberspace. The log files are retained for a limited period and are deleted automatically after 30 days.

How I Use Your Personal Data

The IP addresses and other information logged by my server are used solely for the purposes mentioned above. I do not use this information to track individual users or combine it with other personal data.

I do not share any personal data with third parties.

Data Security

I implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect the security of my website and the data stored within it.

Although I do not intentionally collect personal data, I ensure that my website is secure and protected against unauthorized access.

Under the GDPR, you have the following rights:

Right to access your personal data.
Right to rectify inaccurate personal data.
Right to erase your personal data.
Right to restrict processing of your personal data.
Right to data portability.
Right to object to the processing of your personal data.

Since I do not intentionally collect any personal data, these rights may not be applicable. However, if you have any concerns or questions, please contact me.

Changes to This Privacy Policy

I may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Any changes will be posted on this page with an updated revision date at the top of the page.

Contact Me

If you have any questions or concerns about this Privacy Policy, please contact me (the Data Controller) at mail@bsqt.world.

About

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000

Hello! I’m bsqt, a dedicated advocate for social justice and democratic principles.

Born and raised in Germany, I’ve had the privilege of traveling the world and experiencing the richness of diverse cultures. This journey has deepened my appreciation for my roots while also inspiring me to critically examine them. Driven by a good amount of curiosity and a commitment to positive change, I strive to make a meaningful impact on the world.

Recent global events have ignited a passion within me to engage more actively in political discourse. The rise of misinformation, the growing influence of authoritarian ideologies, and the excesses of unregulated capitalism deeply conflict with my personal values. I believe these trends also undermine the well-being of most people worldwide.

The absence of a robust counter-movement allows these narratives to dominate public conversations. This is where I aim to make a difference by fostering open, respectful, and meaningful dialogue.

I invite you to join me in these discussions as we work together towards a more informed and just society. Let’s collaborate, share insights, and inspire change.

Feel free to reach out via Signal (bsqt.29) or email at mail@bsqt.world (Public PGP key).

Contact

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000

Feel free to reach out via Signal (bsqt.29) or email at mail@bsqt.world (Public PGP key).

Search

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000

bsqt

A call to action

Technological progress doesn't drive human well-being. But what does?

On human needs

Security and Physical Needs

Social Connections

Self-Esteem

Purpose and Value Fulfillment

The main drivers for technology

Human Drive for Discovery and Building

Human Drive for Wealth, Power, or Status

Technology for efficiency gains

The Rat Race of Technological Progress

Technological Complexity

Information Overload

Cognitive load

Unleveling the playing field

Technology as a Crutch

A crutch for society - Part 1: Technology facilitating communication and communities

Superficial Connections

Echo Chambers

Misinformation Spread

A crutch for society - Part 2: The complexity of technology

Technology access is not equal

So what brings happiness?

A culture that creates unhappy people

Let’s Unlock Well-Being for All

Let's boycott mainstream tech

The Dark Side of Mainstream Technologies

Economy

Antitrust and Monopolistic Practices

Foreign Tech Tax

New technologies

Culture

Problematic Leadership

Lack of Transparency

Power Imbalance

Not Optimized for Social Good

Political bias

Information

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