Why Opt Out?

Not convinced fighting BigTech is worth the effort? Need a jolt of boldness for the journey ahead? Want to know what the science says?

Why opt out…

… at work?

Because smartphones lead to decreased productivity. Because they steal focus. Because personal devices at work introduce a cybersecurity threat.

… at school?

Because kids are distracted. Because educational apps aren’t effective. Because teachers can no longer teach. Because students’ data is being hacked. Because students cannot distinguish fake news from facts. Because opting out works.

… at home?

Because parents are addicted. Because online advertising is exploiting kids. Because phones at the dinner table make us unhappy. Because a parent’s phone habits directly correlate to emotional intelligence levels. Because screen time is linked to developmental delays. Because kids interact with tech more than they interact with their parents. Because phubbing erodes relationships. Because it steals sleep. Because the mere presence of a phone disrupts connection.

…of social media?

Because it has a colossal, horrific body count. Because oversharing our children’s lives is unethical, harmful, and unsafe. Because social media usage is destroying girls. Because it makes us angry.

…of gaming?

Because it’s equivalent to digital heroin. Gaming leads to decreased social skills and increased aggression. Online gaming is a breeding ground for child predators. Gaming participation is often linked to gambling addiction.

… in society?

Because social media makes us increasingly anxious. Because AI usage makes us more likely to dehumanize each other. Because devices ruined dating. Because smartphone distractions make us less safe. Because Meta ignores political manipulation online. Because opting out heals.

… on behalf of the marginalized?

Because for our children, our elders, and our people of color: no one else will.

Not yet convinced? Read this.