Reclaiming User Agency in Tech

This chapter explores the challenges and complexities of the current tech landscape, highlighting pessimism among users and the monopolistic practices of major corporations. The speakers argue for reconfiguring technology systems to foster meaningful user engagement and improvement in digital experiences, contrasting past user empowerment during the Web 2.0 era with present-day corporate interests. They examine the implications of antitrust regulation, the impact of mass layoffs, and the need for active advocacy to reclaim user agency in an industry that has become dominated by a few powerful players.