The Power of Free Will: Resisting Abusive Tech

In the modern world, smartphones and the internet have become deeply embedded in our daily lives. They are everywhere — in our pockets, our homes, and even in our minds. While these technologies bring remarkable convenience and access to information, they also possess a darker side: the potential to manipulate, control, and diminish our agency. However, I firmly believe that I cannot, and will not, be controlled by my smartphone or the internet. As a human being with free will, I assert my autonomy and refuse to let these tools dictate how I think, feel, or behave. I do not consent to being influenced by the unseen algorithms of Big Tech, nor will I allow my mind to be enslaved by their relentless pursuit of data and attention.

At first glance, the smartphone and the internet offer us an endless array of opportunities for connection, entertainment, and learning. Yet beneath this shiny surface lies a powerful force that can subtly erode our autonomy. We are constantly bombarded by notifications, advertisements, and curated content, all designed to keep us engaged, addicted, and compliant. Platforms like social media, search engines, and even online shopping sites are engineered to exploit our psychology, using algorithms that track our every move to create an experience that is tailored to our desires — or, more precisely, to our weaknesses.

These algorithms do not see us as individuals with unique minds and willpower; they see us as data points, exploitable for profit. Every “like” we give, every click we make, every second we spend scrolling feeds, is a moment in which our attention is captured and our behavior shaped. And while many of us may feel empowered by this technology, the truth is that, in many ways, we are not controlling it — it is controlling us.

As a human being, I possess the innate ability to think critically, make decisions, and exercise free will. My mind is not some malleable substance to be reshaped by external forces. It is mine to shape, to mold, and to guide according to my values, beliefs, and goals. Free will is the very foundation of human dignity, a core principle that distinguishes us from machines and algorithms. My thoughts, emotions, and decisions are mine alone, and no smartphone or internet service will ever have the authority to take that away from me.

Smartphones and the internet may attempt to distract, influence, or manipulate me, but I refuse to surrender my agency. I choose when and how I engage with these technologies. I set the terms of my interaction, not the other way around. If I find myself being pulled into a cycle of endless scrolling, I will step back and remind myself of the power I have to break free. If an app or website is designed to keep me hooked, I will question its value and whether it serves my well-being or is simply an instrument of control.

One of the most disturbing aspects of modern digital life is the way in which many of us are subtly coerced into surrendering our autonomy. When we sign up for a social media platform, use a search engine, or even browse the web, we often do so without fully understanding the terms of service or the ways in which our data is being used. These platforms thrive on the idea that if they can control our attention and manipulate our behavior, they can maximize their profits — even at the expense of our mental health and personal freedom.

This manipulation is rarely overt. It’s not like someone is forcing us to use our phones, but the underlying design of these platforms subtly chips away at our ability to think independently. As a result, we often don’t even realize when our autonomy has been compromised. We are constantly enticed, distracted, and nudged toward decisions that serve someone else’s interests, not our own.

I do not consent to this type of control. I do not agree to be treated as a commodity, my attention and data harvested for profit. My mind and my decisions are my own. As a conscious being, I retain the right to choose where I spend my time, where I direct my energy, and how I engage with the world. No algorithm or corporation will dictate this for me.

The ability to reclaim our autonomy in a world dominated by technology is not an impossible task — but it requires awareness and conscious effort. By acknowledging the ways in which technology can subtly influence us, we can begin to take active steps to preserve our free will.

First, we must become mindful of how we use our devices and the internet. Instead of reacting to notifications or succumbing to the lure of endless scrolling, we must practice intentionality. We should choose when and how we engage with our smartphones, rather than letting them dictate our behavior. This might mean setting boundaries, like limiting screen time or taking regular breaks from social media.

Second, we can become informed consumers of technology. We must understand the trade-offs involved in using these platforms — what we are giving up in terms of privacy, time, and mental well-being. When we recognize how these platforms operate, we can make more informed decisions about which services to use, and how to use them in ways that do not compromise our autonomy.

Lastly, we must prioritize real, meaningful connections over the hollow interactions often promoted by social media. Our relationships with others should not be mediated through algorithms, but through genuine conversation, shared experiences, and mutual respect. It is through these authentic connections that we truly retain our humanity.

In conclusion, I will not be controlled by my smartphone or the internet. These technologies are tools — powerful tools, no doubt — but tools nonetheless. I possess free will, the ability to think critically, and the agency to make choices about how I engage with the world. I will not surrender my autonomy to the whims of Big Tech, whose interests often lie in controlling my attention and shaping my behavior for profit. Instead, I will use technology on my own terms, guided by my values and free will, ensuring that my mind remains my own, free from the invisible forces that seek to manipulate it. My humanity — my free will — is too precious to be controlled.