In 2024, we’re at a critical juncture, and I’ve had a shift in my thinking. Reflecting on the new year and the upcoming U.S. election, I feel a heightened responsibility to consider what we contribute to the world. Given the political instability and negativity, I believe it’s imperative to offer hope and agency rather than adding to the chaos.
Historically, my online persona has been snarky and contrarian, challenging the status quo. But in the current climate, the true contrarian view is to be hopeful and positive. We can give people tools to think differently and enact change. This isn’t about toxic positivity or denying problems; it’s about acknowledging issues and empowering people to address them.
The pervasive negativity, especially on platforms like Twitter, often leads to a spiral of nihilism. Observing the American political landscape, it’s disheartening to see a resignation to limited choices without even attempting to demand better options. This mindset of inevitability is devastating. We must remember our power to influence change, even as we face daunting challenges like AI and economic inequality.
AI, in particular, has become a focal point of this discussion. The technology’s rapid advancement raises significant concerns about copyright and the exploitation of artists. The tech industry’s dismissive attitude towards creators’ rights reveals a broader issue: a lack of respect for the labour and contributions of others. The mindset that sees people and their work as mere tools for profit is fundamentally flawed.
We must push back against this dehumanization and commodification. The internet’s original mission was to promote freedom and share knowledge, not to enable a few to exploit the many. The principles of open source and the GPL (General Public License) were about sharing and paying it forward, not about unrestricted exploitation. Artists and creators deserve to be compensated fairly for their work, and we need to hold tech companies to this standard.
This isn’t just a legal issue but a moral one. The law should reflect the kind of society we want to live in—one where creativity and labour are valued, not stolen. We need to stigmatize the mindset that justifies exploitation and make it socially unacceptable.
The broader political landscape also requires our attention. The rise of authoritarianism and the far-right’s exploitation of public anger are significant threats. It’s crucial to maintain hope and resist slipping into rage and division. We must learn to forgive, organize, and build movements that reflect our values. This involves showing up, participating in political processes, and refusing to accept the status quo.
On a personal level, I’ve decided to focus on meaningful contributions rather than engaging in the content factory’s negativity. I want to create a space where people feel heard, valued, and hopeful. This includes maintaining a respectful and positive environment in my interactions and content.
Ultimately, the choice is ours. We can decide to reject the current system’s failures and work towards a better future. This involves both individual actions and collective efforts. By organizing, advocating for fair policies, and supporting one another, we can create a society that values everyone’s contributions and ensures a decent life for all.
In 2024, I choose hope. I choose to believe in the possibility of change and the goodness of people. Let’s work together to make things better, one step at a time.