I started putting my thoughts together on why I don't use AI. It will take time to write it all out, it feels like an essay. I could probably come up with a hundred reasons, but I am currently at eight just off the top of my head.

I want to share one that no one talks about.

Big tech companies are using cheap labor in the global south to filter the human trauma on the internet in order to train LLM models. People in countries like Kenya, India, and the Philippines spend 9+ hours per day viewing the most horrific content imaginable (violence, abuse, hate speech, etc) at $1.50/hr. They are literally using the minds of people in precarious economic situations as a filter to protect the sensibilities of the wealthy. They claim it is opportunity when it is actually predatory.

The next time you ask an "ai" to summarize a 450 word article for you, think about the human filter required to make that answer safe. You are not just saving time, you are benefiting from a predatory labor practice that pays pennies to protect your sensibilities.

Further reading:

https://time.com/6247678/openai-chatgpt-kenya-workers/

https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2023/08/28/scale-ai-remotasks-philippines-artificial-intelligence/

#NoAI #NoAI #EthicalTech #LaborRights #HumanRights #FOSS #OpenAI #ChatGPT #Google #Gemini

I started putting my thoughts together on why I don't use AI. It will take time to write it all out, it feels like an essay. I could probably come up with a hundred reasons, but I am currently at eight just off the top of my head.

I want to share one that no one talks about.

Big tech companies are using cheap labor in the global south to filter the human trauma on the internet in order to train LLM models. People in countries like Kenya, India, and the Philippines spend 9+ hours per day viewing the most horrific content imaginable (violence, abuse, hate speech, etc) at $1.50/hr. They are literally using the minds of people in precarious economic situations as a filter to protect the sensibilities of the wealthy. They claim it is opportunity when it is actually predatory.

The next time you ask an "ai" to summarize a 450 word article for you, think about the human filter required to make that answer safe. You are not just saving time, you are benefiting from a predatory labor practice that pays pennies to protect your sensibilities.

Further reading:

https://time.com/6247678/openai-chatgpt-kenya-workers/

https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2023/08/28/scale-ai-remotasks-philippines-artificial-intelligence/

#NoAI #NoAI #EthicalTech #LaborRights #HumanRights #FOSS #OpenAI #ChatGPT #Google #Gemini

Quoting Yarn Spinner: “AI companies make tools for hurting people and we don’t want to support that.”

The team behind Yarn Spinner (also known for authoring books on machine learning) have stopped using #AI entirely. Not because they don’t understand it, but because they do. They watched the industry pivot from interesting technical problems to one clear goal: firing people or extracting more work without hiring anyone to help.

Every time you adopt these tools, you financially support companies whose business model is workforce reduction during a time when unemployment can be life-threatening.

The question isn’t whether AI is technically impressive. It’s whether the companies making it deserve our money and support while they’re actively working to eliminate jobs. Yarn Spinner decided they don’t.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

https://yarnspinner.dev/blog/why-we-dont-use-ai/

#YarnSpinner #WorkersRights #EthicalTech

Quoting Yarn Spinner: “AI companies make tools for hurting people and we don’t want to support that.”

The team behind Yarn Spinner (also known for authoring books on machine learning) have stopped using #AI entirely. Not because they don’t understand it, but because they do. They watched the industry pivot from interesting technical problems to one clear goal: firing people or extracting more work without hiring anyone to help.

Every time you adopt these tools, you financially support companies whose business model is workforce reduction during a time when unemployment can be life-threatening.

The question isn’t whether AI is technically impressive. It’s whether the companies making it deserve our money and support while they’re actively working to eliminate jobs. Yarn Spinner decided they don’t.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

https://yarnspinner.dev/blog/why-we-dont-use-ai/

#YarnSpinner #WorkersRights #EthicalTech

Alt Text: It's Just Good Design
Alt text (alternative text) isn't an extra step: it's essential for our digital space.

Alt text is about access: It ensures everyone, including those using screen readers, can understand the image and context.

Alt text is about integrity: It shows we're committed to building inclusive platforms.

Alt text is about self-respect: It honours your audience and the effort put into your content.

I alt text everything and only boost images with proper descriptions.

Making your spaces accessible is a non-negotiable part of ethical design.

It’s how we create systems where every touchpoint feels like care.

Also because I haven't said it yet and it's good luck for the new year: THANK YOU & I LOVE YOU.

#A11y #EthicalTech #DigitalCare

And it's done! #WhatsApp account deleted and the app uninstalled 🥳
I promised I would do it by the end of 2025, and I'm a man of my word. I've been prepping friends and family for 6 months.

2026 will be 100% #Meta free for me!!! woo-hoo!

You can do the same, just follow the steps of the #BigTechWalkout2025 at https://blog.rebeltechalliance.org/the-big-tech-walkout-2025/

#bigtech #surveillance #surveillancecapitalism #privacy #ethicaltech

January arrives like a blank page. Quiet. Cold. Asking us to soften.

How can technology feel less like optimization and more like comfort?

Like a soft landing. Like a marshmallow.

I believe in sensual systems. Not romantic, or just aesthetic— Relational.

Tech that feels like:
Consent.
Curiosity.
Being truly seen!

Marshmallows are the perfect metaphor:
Structure that holds softness.
Softness that invites surprise.
Sweetness that lingers.

I’m build tech that feels like love. Digital spaces that breathe. Interfaces that don’t rush. Backends that honour boundaries.

Softness isn’t weakness. Sweetness isn’t frivolous. They are nervous system technologies.

Here’s to a new year of gentle systems. May your tech be sweet. May your work feel like a warm cup of hot chocolate!

#SensualSystems #EthicalTech #DigitalTenderness

Nothing like starting the year with a WHISTLEBLOWER confession from a BURNED-OUT, disgruntled - and rightfully ANGRY - Big Tech developer.

Disgraceful Product strategy. Might be legal but screams immorality!

This is Big Tech’s playbook: dehumanize workers, manipulate customers, and call it ‘disruption.’

I don’t care how “good” the service feels. As a consumer and a worker, it’s time to choose and redefine BETTER!

#EthicalTech #SurveillanceCapitalism #NoBigTech #PeopleMatter

Nothing like starting the year with a WHISTLEBLOWER confession from a BURNED-OUT, disgruntled - and rightfully ANGRY - Big Tech developer.

Disgraceful Product strategy. Might be legal but screams immorality!

This is Big Tech’s playbook: dehumanize workers, manipulate customers, and call it ‘disruption.’

I don’t care how “good” the service feels. As a consumer and a worker, it’s time to choose and redefine BETTER!

#EthicalTech #SurveillanceCapitalism #NoBigTech #PeopleMatter

Why visitors love discovering the Murena Fairphone (Gen.6) at events like @osxp_paris 👇

🔸 easy to repair
🔸 smooth performance on /e/OS
🔸 Advanced Privacy blocks trackers & reduces your digital footprint

Hope to meet you at upcoming events!

👉 https://murena.com/products/smartphones/

#EthicalTech #Fairphone @gael @rikviergever

👋 I'm looking to connect with other small YouTube and/or PeerTube creators (<1,000 subs) who are strictly focused on #NoAI, #FOSS, #Privacy, and #OpenSource technology.

It is hard to find channels in tech not using "ai." If that's you, or you know of any, please reply with the channel link so I can support you!

🔄 Boosts deeply appreciated to help me find my people.

#AskFedi #FOSS #NoAI #OpenSource #FreeSoftware #LibreSoftware #Linux #GNULinux #GNU #Debian #SmallYouTuber #TechCreator #HumanMade #HumanContent #EthicalTech #Privacy #Homelab #SelfHosted #TerminalTilt #Disabled #DisabledCreator #DisabledArtist #Queer #QueerCreator #QueerArtist #Mastodon #Boost #boostswelcome #LinuxMint

👋 I'm looking to connect with other small YouTube and/or PeerTube creators (<1,000 subs) who are strictly focused on #NoAI, #FOSS, #Privacy, and #OpenSource technology.

It is hard to find channels in tech not using "ai." If that's you, or you know of any, please reply with the channel link so I can support you!

🔄 Boosts deeply appreciated to help me find my people.

#AskFedi #FOSS #NoAI #OpenSource #FreeSoftware #LibreSoftware #Linux #GNULinux #GNU #Debian #SmallYouTuber #TechCreator #HumanMade #HumanContent #EthicalTech #Privacy #Homelab #SelfHosted #TerminalTilt #Disabled #DisabledCreator #DisabledArtist #Queer #QueerCreator #QueerArtist #Mastodon #Boost #boostswelcome #LinuxMint

Great initiative - Digital Independence Day
https://di.day/

(German site but your browser can translate)

Compliments what we're offering:
https://blog.rebeltechalliance.org/the-big-tech-walkout-2025
And various links in our Alternatives section of our website: https://www.rebeltechalliance.org/

Make your 2026 resolution to say "Bollocks to Big Tech!"

#bigtech #surveillance #surveillancecapitalism #privacy #ethicaltech

And it's done! #WhatsApp account deleted and the app uninstalled 🥳
I promised I would do it by the end of 2025, and I'm a man of my word. I've been prepping friends and family for 6 months.

2026 will be 100% #Meta free for me!!! woo-hoo!

You can do the same, just follow the steps of the #BigTechWalkout2025 at https://blog.rebeltechalliance.org/the-big-tech-walkout-2025/

#bigtech #surveillance #surveillancecapitalism #privacy #ethicaltech

Great initiative - Digital Independence Day
https://di.day/

(German site but your browser can translate)

Compliments what we're offering:
https://blog.rebeltechalliance.org/the-big-tech-walkout-2025
And various links in our Alternatives section of our website: https://www.rebeltechalliance.org/

Make your 2026 resolution to say "Bollocks to Big Tech!"

#bigtech #surveillance #surveillancecapitalism #privacy #ethicaltech