The story of the digital revolution began with a vision of the internet as a transformative force for democratization, innovation, and equality. Early proponents imagined a decentralised platform to amplify marginalised voices, foster global collaboration, and create opportunities on an even playing field. It embodied ideals of openness, freedom, and community—a collective tool for the greater good.
However, this vision has dimmed over time, giving way to what can be described as a rogue mutation of capitalism.
The Shift: From Idealism to Exploitation
1. Commercialization and Data Commodification
The 1990s marked the transition of the Internet into a commercial space. Tech companies pioneered new business models, offering “free” services in exchange for personal data. Platforms like Google and Facebook began harvesting this data, turning it into a commodity more valuable than oil.
2. Winner-Takes-All Dynamics
Network effects favoured monopolies, allowing tech giants like Amazon, Google, and Meta to consolidate wealth and power. Their dominance enabled them to suppress competition, acquire rivals, and control vast portions of the digital economy.
3. Data as the New Oil
The ability to mine and monetise user data has created an unprecedented concentration of knowledge. Sophisticated algorithms predict user behaviour to serve preferences and subtly influence actions and decisions—often in ways users don’t realize.
4. Algorithmic Amplification and Division
In the pursuit of engagement, platforms optimized content that stirs emotions such as fear and anger. This led to misinformation, polarised communities, and decreased constructive public discourse.
5. Labor Exploitation and Inequality
The gig economy and automation displaced traditional jobs while creating precarious, low-protection labour. The wealth generated by the digital economy has been unevenly distributed, exacerbating societal inequalities.
6. Global Disparities
While the internet connects the world, it has also deepened divides. Many developing countries remain disconnected, while advanced economies hoard technological and financial advantages.
The Rise of Surveillance Capitalism
Shoshana Zuboff coined the term “surveillance capitalism” to describe this new economic system, where personal data is mined, analysed, and monetised to predict and influence behaviour for profit.
Key Features:
- Data Extraction: Unprecedented personal and behavioural data collection, often without consent.
- Behavioural Surplus: Repurposing excess data to predict and shape behaviour.
- Asymmetry of Power: Corporations know everything about individuals, while individuals know little about how their data is used.
- Erosion of Privacy: Personal privacy is traded for “free” services, fuelling surveillance systems.
Unprecedented Concentrations of Wealth, Knowledge, and Power
The cumulative effect of these trends has led to:
- Wealth: Billionaires like Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos symbolise the extreme fortunes of the digital economy.
- Knowledge: A few corporations control global data, shaping economies and societal norms.
- Power: These entities influence elections, public opinion, and policies, often without accountability.
The internet’s potential as a democratising force isn’t lost—but it requires intentional efforts to restore balance.
- Regulations to ensure transparency, fairness, and accountability in data use.
- Digital literacy empowers individuals to reclaim autonomy over their digital lives.
- Purpose-driven innovation that prioritises societal well-being over profit maximisation.
The digital age doesn’t have to deepen inequalities. It can still be a force for good—if we challenge the status quo and build an internet that works for everyone, not just a privileged few.
