You are satisfied with the online services you use. Until you notice that statements from the director of the company behind it are not in line with your norms and values. Does it make sense to cancel your subscription?
Several artists have taken their music from Spotify in recent weeks. They do not support that Spotify director Daniel EK is investing in a company that supplies AI technology to European armies. For some customers, that is also a reason to cancel their subscription.
If you spend long enough on the internet, you will see the shifts happening. Not so long ago, many Dutch people installed the privacy -conscious ChatApp Signal, after a fuss arose about the data processing of WhatsApp.
There are many more examples. After Elon Musk Twitter got hold of, many people left for other services, such as Bluesky or Mastodon. They did not agree with the way of thinking of Musk and the way he led the network.
Are actions of directors in their private life to be seen separately from their company? Not always, IBO Van de Poel, Professor Ethics & Philosophy of Technology at TU Delft thinks. “If my money ends up at a company where things I don’t support, then it has to do with each other.”
Principle
Departing to make a statement, a company may not be in its wallet directly, says Wouter Nieuwenhuizen, who investigates social responsibility and regulation of technology companies at the Rathenau Institute. “It is about the social trend. If a large group drops out, a debate can arise that will arrive at the company.”
When canceling an account or subscription, it is therefore not just a financial statement that you make as a user. “From ethics and philosophy, you can not only assess actions on the consequences they have, but also on principles,” says Van de Poel. “This way you can consider from your personal principles to cancel a subscription, regardless of whether it is effective or not.”
“Nobody notices other provider”
Ending a service is not always easy, especially when it comes to a social network. “Because your friends are sitting there,” says Nieuwenhuizen. “That is what we call the network effect. Every time someone signs up with a platform, that increases the value for you to become a member or to stay.”
If you then want to switch to another service, you lose followers and updates about what family and friends do. “That makes switching with these types of platforms other than, for example, switching from provider,” says Nieuwenhuizen. “With telephone numbers it is stipulated that it should not be detrimental to the consumer to switch to another provider. Your friends don’t even notice that, because you keep your number.”
Going away from a service such as Spotify is a bit easier than with social media, because the emphasis is not on the social component, but on listening to music. And that is also great with alternative apps.
You cannot expect a service to fully meet your values, says Van de Poel. According to him, it is a matter of which values you find essential. “I would say: look at apps that best match you, because sometimes there are more alternatives than you think.”
You are satisfied with the online services you use. Until you Notice That Statements Made by the Director of the Company Behind It Do Not Align With Your Norms And Values. Does it make sense to cancel your subscription then?
Several Artists Have Removed Their Music From Spotify in recent weeks. They do not support spotify director Daniel EK Investing in a Company That Supplies Ai Technology to European Armies. This is also a reason for some customer to cancel their subscription.
If you spend Enough Time on the Internet, You Will See the Shifts Happen. Not so long ago, many Dutch People installed the privacy-conscious chat app signal afterrage arose about whatsapp’s data processing.
There are many more examples. After Elon Musk Took over Twitter, Many People Left for Other Services, Such as bluesky or mastodon. They disagreig with musk’s thinking and the way he ran the network.
Can the actions of directors in Their private lives be seen separate from their company? Not Always, Accordance to Ibo van de Poel, Professor of Ethics & Philosophy of Technology at TU Delft. “If my money ends up with a company where things happen that I don’t support, then it does have something to do with each other.”
Quitting on Principle
Leaving to make a statement may not direct Affect A Company’s Finances, Says Wouter Nieuwenhuizen, WHO Researches the Social Responsibility and Regulation of Technology Companies at the Rathenau Institute. “It’s about the social trend. If a Large Group Drops Out, a debate can arise that does reach the company.”
When caneling an account or subscription, it is not just a financial statement that you make as a user. “From an ethical and philosophical point of view, you can assess actions not only on the consequences they have, but also on principles,” Says van de Poel. “So You Can Canceling A Subscription Based On Your Personal Principles, Regardless of WHETER IT is Effective or Not.”
‘No One Notices Taking Another Provider’
Dropping out of a service is not always easy, eSpeciate when it comes to a social network. “Because your friends are there,” Says Nieuwenhuizen. “We call that the network effect. Every time some signs up for a platform, IT Increases the Value for you to Become or Remain a Member.”
If you then want to switch to another service, you lose followers and updates about what family and friends are doing. “That makes switching platforms like this different from, for example, switching providers,” Says Nieuwenhuizen. “It has leg determined for telephone numbers that it should not be detrimental to the consumer to switch to another provider. Your Friends Don’t Even Notice That, Becaause You Keep Your Number.”
Leaving a Service Like Spotify is Already a Bit Easier Than With Social Media, because the Emphasis is not on the social component, but on listening to music. And that is also Possible with alternative apps.
You Cannot Expect A Service to Fully Meet Your Values, Says van de Poel. Accordance to him, it is a bratter or which you praise Essential yourself. “I would say: Look for apps that best suit you, because some are more alternatives than you think.”