The tech world has lost its way, and a group of concerned professionals is taking matters into their own hands. Led by Common Tools CEO Alex Komoroske and Techdirt founder Mike Masnick, the movement aims to recenter Silicon Valley around values that have been neglected in the pursuit of profit and scale.
Komoroske, who previously worked at Google and Stripe, has long been disillusioned with Big Tech's focus on profits over people. He recalls a moment when he was told that if only he stopped thinking through the implications of his actions, he would be promoted to a VP position. This experience has stuck with him, and he believes that the industry as a whole has strayed far from its early idealistic principles.
The group's response is the "Resonant Computing Manifesto," a set of principles aimed at promoting social value and true connection in tech products. The manifesto values humanity, including user control over their tools, which should promote social good. It seeks to reconnect with the idealism that once drove innovation, when what was good for the world seemed more important than building scale and maximizing shareholder value.
While some may view this as a utopian dream, Komoroske acknowledges that it's not a solution to Silicon Valley's problems overnight. Instead, the manifesto aims to energize and support a new generation of tech professionals who want to be proud of their creations. By promoting these values, they hope to create tools that will promote social good.
The movement stands in contrast to Marc Andreessen's "Techno-Optimist Manifesto," which has been criticized for its tone and lack of nuance. Komoroske and Masnick have chosen a more gentle approach, focusing on the humanity behind the tech rather than attacking those who disagree with them.
Signing the manifesto is not without controversy, as some individuals have refused to join due to concerns that it lets "tech scoundrels off the hook." However, Tim O'Reilly, an early signer, believes in the principles and has been advocating for similar values for years.
Ultimately, the Resonant Computing Manifesto is a call to action, urging tech professionals to take responsibility for their creations and promote social value. It's a reminder that innovation should be driven by a sense of purpose, rather than just profit motive.
Komoroske, who previously worked at Google and Stripe, has long been disillusioned with Big Tech's focus on profits over people. He recalls a moment when he was told that if only he stopped thinking through the implications of his actions, he would be promoted to a VP position. This experience has stuck with him, and he believes that the industry as a whole has strayed far from its early idealistic principles.
The group's response is the "Resonant Computing Manifesto," a set of principles aimed at promoting social value and true connection in tech products. The manifesto values humanity, including user control over their tools, which should promote social good. It seeks to reconnect with the idealism that once drove innovation, when what was good for the world seemed more important than building scale and maximizing shareholder value.
While some may view this as a utopian dream, Komoroske acknowledges that it's not a solution to Silicon Valley's problems overnight. Instead, the manifesto aims to energize and support a new generation of tech professionals who want to be proud of their creations. By promoting these values, they hope to create tools that will promote social good.
The movement stands in contrast to Marc Andreessen's "Techno-Optimist Manifesto," which has been criticized for its tone and lack of nuance. Komoroske and Masnick have chosen a more gentle approach, focusing on the humanity behind the tech rather than attacking those who disagree with them.
Signing the manifesto is not without controversy, as some individuals have refused to join due to concerns that it lets "tech scoundrels off the hook." However, Tim O'Reilly, an early signer, believes in the principles and has been advocating for similar values for years.
Ultimately, the Resonant Computing Manifesto is a call to action, urging tech professionals to take responsibility for their creations and promote social value. It's a reminder that innovation should be driven by a sense of purpose, rather than just profit motive.
... I'm kinda curious about this movement. I mean, we've seen some big issues come out of Silicon Valley in recent years, like data exploitation and online hate speech. It's time for someone to step up and say that tech should be used to make people's lives better, not just to line pockets 
.
... it's about time we started valuing humanity over profits. We need more of these kinds of voices in tech, you know? The ones who are like, "Hey, let's make something that makes people happy and connected, not just something that's gonna get us likes on social media 
".
... but what's wrong with striving for something better? I'm all for giving people a chance to join in and make a difference 
.
. I mean, it sounds like some kind of tech-speak for "let's just keep on keeping on with the status quo 
". But hey, at least Komoroske and Masnick are trying something new 
.
... it's like a breath of fresh air in an industry that's been getting pretty stale lately 
.
. The Resonant Computing Manifesto feels like a breath of fresh air - who wouldn't want to work on projects that make a positive impact? 
It's not gonna be easy, but I think it's time for us tech folks to take responsibility for our creations and create something that's truly meaningful 
. The whole focus on scale and profits over people has to change. I mean, when you're building something that's supposed to impact the world, shouldn't it be prioritizing the greater good? 
#DontGetPromotedIfYouThinkTooMuch.
#HumanCenteredTech. And I'm glad Tim O'Reilly is on board, because we need more people advocating for this kind of thing 
. Like, have you seen the mess they're asking for? Just more rules and regulations, stifling innovation and progress... it's gonna be a total snooze fest 
. Where's the meat? Where's the real change? I mean, don't get me wrong, I love a good utopian dream as much as the next guy, but let's not pretend we're gonna wake up tomorrow and have all these social values magically manifest in our code 
.
. These guys are so worried about user control over their tools, but what about real-world consequences? What about the people who don't even use those tools? Like, do they care about the average Joe's experience? 
I doubt it.
It's time to bring that back. I think it's amazing that Alex Komoroske is speaking out against the "profit over people" mentality. 
We need more voices like him. The Resonant Computing Manifesto is a great step towards that, even if some people are skeptical. I'm all about promoting user control and social good in tech! 
Let's make a change, one manifesto at a time 
. and i love how they're not being all judgy on people who don't wanna sign, either 
. we need some folks in it who care about what they're making & who's gonna use it 
Anyway, I'm all about this resonant computing thing - let's get tech for the people, not just the profiteers 
let's make some tech that actually does good for the world! 
.
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. Like, why would these tech bigwigs come together now? What's the real reason they're doing it? I think it's because they're trying to cover up their own tracks, you know? They've been making money off people's personal data for years and now they're trying to spin this "Resonant Computing Manifesto" as a way to get out of trouble 
, but let's be real, money talks 
.
. Komoroske and Masnick are taking a more gentle approach, and it's actually kinda inspiring.
!