Table of Contents
Foreword 11
Introduction 14
Chapter 1 Does Big Tech Pose a Threat to Democracy?
Overview: What Are Big Tech's Capabilities? John Harris 18
According to the inventor of the World Wide Web, the internet and big tech have some problems that he did not envision happening. The notion of big tech being controlled by a small number of companies is not new, and the US government has the tools to enforce changes to the system for the good of the public.
Yes: Big Tech Poses a Threat
Surveillance Capitalism Is a Threat Joanna Kavenna 26
Shoshana Zuboff has coined the term "surveillance capitalism" and has written extensively on the subject. Zuboff's analysis of the topic has been described as a groundbreaking idea. Zuboff maintains that surveillance capitalism poses a great threat to individuals and society.
Big Tech Is a Threat to Democracy Chaze Vinci 32
The author argues that the American public should be given the opportunity to decide for themselves exactly what is the truth in media, not by being force-fed by technology giants who through manipulation of media sites display their version of facts and truth.
Big Tech Monopolies Aren't Good in the Long Rim Shannon Bond Alina Selyukh Bobby Allyn 35
In the beginning Apple, Amazon, Facebook, and Google were small companies, but they've grown to pose a threat to society. Typically, companies without competition force buyers or sellers into a situation that only profits the mega-company.
No: Big Tech Provided by Large Corporations Has Its Benefits
Technology Has Turned Toxic Because It Reflects Human Behavior Rob Howard 40
Big tech started out with the aim of providing equal access to communication to everyone. But it's introduced a new set of societal problems whose root is not technology but simply human nature.
Technology Provided Positive Benefits During the Pandemic Giuseppe Riva Fabrizia Mantovani Brenda K. Wiederhold 44
In this excerpted viewpoint, the authors argue that during the COVID-19 pandemic, technology proved to be a positive entity, providing health benefits for people struggling to get through the challenges associated with the pandemic.
Big Tech Can Promote Trust and Democracy Barbara Romzek Aram Sinnreich 57
Big tech companies should start competing to provide the most accurate news instead of the most click-worthy and the most trustworthy sources rather than the most sensational.
Chapter 2 Does Silicon Valley Unfairly Target Conservatives?
Overview: Many Americans Believe That Social Media Shows Political Bias Emily A. Vogels Andrew Perrin Monica Anderson 62
Research from a Pew Research Center survey finds that Republicans are far more likely than Democrats to say major tech companies favor the views of liberals over conservatives.
Yes: Big Tech Does Target Conservatives Unfairly
Democracy Suffers When Big Tech Is Biased Leni Friedman Valenta Jiri Valenta 69
Not only does former president Donald Trump think that Democrats and the media are out to get him, but Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping agree. It is suggested that Putin and Xi believe that big tech will turn citizens against their own governments.
Mainstream Media Platforms Are Being Abandoned by Conservatives Jason Wilson 75
When social media platforms began removing former President Donald Trump from their accounts, conservative followers moved to alternative sites such as Parler and Gab. These sites welcomed Trump's base with open arms but soon encountered the wrath of big tech.
Tech Companies Have the Right to "Censor" Conservatives and Anyone Else Jon Hersey 79
Republicans are pushing for stronger regulations against big tech, claiming that social media platforms are censoring them because of their views. But these companies have every right to make their own rules. Let the market decide their fate instead of using government power to punish them.
No: Big Tech and Social Media Do Not Target Conservatives
Algorithms Control What Users See on Social Media Steve Dempsey 83
It's safe to say that most users of social media do not understand how their news feeds take shape. Computer algorithms track what users are choosing to read and then continuously feed them the same sorts of information. Thus, users miss out on different points of view.
Far-Right Views Thrive on Facebook Michel Martin Will Jarvis 86
Experts have analyzed data that clearly show a trend that happened during the mobbing of the US Capitol on January 6, 2021. An overwhelming number of Facebook users clicked, shared, and read stories with an extreme viewpoint and misinformation.
Texas Republicans Rail Against the Actions of Big Tech Duncan Agnew Bryan Mena 88
Supporters of former President Donald Trump claim that the big tech companies are clearly anti-conservative and pro-liberal. Republicans insist that big tech is controlling social media against conservatives.
Chapter 3 Does Technology Feed Extremism or Other Harmful Behaviors?
Overview: Social Media Has Greatly Enabled Extremist Groups J. M. Berger 96
There have always been extremist groups operating throughout the world. Extremism is not a recent phenomenon. The one difference today is that the internet makes it much easier for extremist networks to survive, spread their message, and recruit followers. This viewpoint specifically looks at two extremist groups: the Islamic State and White Nationalists.
Yes: Technology Can Aid Extremism and Harmful Behaviors
Extremists Maximize Online Resources Megan Squire 103
Extremists are making the most of internet sites to promote their beliefs and actions. When one of the big plastforms takes down extremist postings, it just pops up on smaller sites that are not as regulated, thereby making it almost impossible to remove extremist content from social media.
Social Media Affects Menial Health McLean Hospital 108
It's no surprise that social media may affect a person's mental health. Studies show that teens are particularly vulnerable to negative mental health outcomes because of the tune spent on various social media sites. Therapists suggest limiting or even abandoning usage depending on the severity of a patient's mental health problems.
No: Not All the Effects of Technology Are Extremist or Harmful Behavior
Free Speech Issues Should Be Decided by Users Jillian C. York 114
Just as the large CEOs of big tech companies can choose what to promote on their sites, people such as former President Trump can choose to spew lies and disinformation, according to this viewpoint. Users should turn away from tech sites whose content offends them.
Individual Human Action Can Maximize the Benefits of Technology Kerry McDonald 118
It's easy to blame big tech companies for our social strife and push for strict government regulations. But the author suggests five ideas for turning human action into agency regarding big tech and social media.
Chapter 4 Should Technology Be Changed for the Good of Society?
Overview: Congress Must Play a Critical Role in Solving the Dilemmas Big Tech Presents 124
The Shorenstein Center on Media, Politics, and Public Policy In March 2019, two projects at Harvard Kennedy School hosted a workshop for congressional staff to identify and discuss policy approaches to the dilemmas of big tech platforms and their effects on democracy. This executive summary provides key takeaways from the discussion.
Yes: Technology Should Be Changed for the Future Good of All
The Control of Big Tech on Democracy Must Be Stopped Sally Lee 134
Big tech has outsized control over democracy, and it must be curbed, according to this viewpoint. The major tech companies enjoy a monopoly that quells competition and has a hold over consumers. Anti-trust laws must be dusted off and put into practice.
Another Tech Is Possible Wolmet Barendregt Christoph Becker EunJeong Cheon Andrew Clement Pedro Reynolds-Cuéllar Douglas Schuler Lucy Suchman 140
In this excerpted viewpoint, the authors use the campaign to defund the police as a model for imagining a path for harnessing the power of big tech and diverting it into community building.
No: Big Tech Has Many Redeeming Qualities
Research Shows That Regulation by Big Tech Can Be Effective Anjana Susarla 154
Research shows that the CEOs of big tech firms can regulate their policies and make a difference to society. Tech CEOs are aware of the problems of fake news and misinformation that spread over the digital environment almost like wildfire. According to this viewpoint there are three key ways in which tech companies can clean up the digital space.
Big Tech Is Worth Fixing Shaoul Sussman 159
Is big tech too large to manage? This question is appropriate in the face of congressional inquiry and a general bipartisan feeling that something must be done to harness the big tech companies. Can history provide a clue as to what should be done about today's big tech corporations?
Organizations to Contact 165
Bibliography 169
Index 173
