Somos Libres means: Technology forms freedom
Somos libres means an expression in Spanish which means “we are free”. Literally, this sentence is often associated with the spirit of independence and freedom. However, if we look deeper, this philosophy of freedom has great relevance in the world of technology today. Technology has changed the way we live, work, and communicate. The internet, AI, blockchain, and various other innovations provide freedom in many ways, such as access to information, business opportunities, and freedom of expression.
However, does technology really set us free? Or is it shackled in a new form, such as dependence and privacy issues?
liberating technology
The digital era has given a lot of freedom. From the perspective of “Somos Libres”, we can see how technology shapes freedom in several aspects of life.
1. Freedom of Access to Information
In the past, information was limited to physical books, libraries, and print media. Now, with the internet, information is available at the fingertips. Just by typing a few keywords in search engines, we can find millions of articles, videos, and learning resources from around the world. Platforms such as Wikipedia, Google Scholar, to YouTube allow anyone to learn without limits. This is where the concept of freedom of information becomes real.
However, even though there is freedom of access, there is still the threat of this freedom. For example, a country or large company that controls information through algorithms, sensors, or even “censoring” data.
2. Freedom of business
Technology also provides freedom in doing business. With the presence of e-commerce and remote work platforms, such as upwork or freelancers, anyone can start a business without having to rent a physical office or spend large capital. Imagine someone who lives in a remote village, with internet access, now they can sell their products or services to the global market. This is a revolution in the economy and freedom of entrepreneurship.
Not only that, cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin and blockchain technology have opened up new opportunities for international trading without intermediaries such as traditional banks or financial institutions.
3. Freedom to be creative
Thanks to advances in technology, the world of art and creativity also gains freedom. Content creators, Youtubers, to graphic designers can now show off their works to a global audience without restrictions. Platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, and Spotify make it easy for artists to spread their works and get fans from around the world. Technology also paves the way for innovation in the world of art, such as digital art and NFT (non-fungible tokens).
4. Freedom to work from anywhere
In the past, working means going to the office or other physical places. However, technology has given the freedom to work from anywhere. The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the trend of long-distance work, and many companies are now implementing a “Work From Home” or “Work From Anywhere” policy. This allows workers to live a more flexible life and manage their own time.
According to a survey from Gallup in 2020, about 70% of workers in the US feel the positive impact of working remotely. In Indonesia itself, this trend is increasingly popular, especially in the tech and creative industry.
The Challenge Behind Technology Freedom
However, although technology offers a lot of freedom, there are also challenges that we need to pay attention to. We need to ask: how far does technology really make us free? Is this freedom temporary or has a price to pay?
1. Dependence on Technology
One of the biggest challenges in technological freedom is dependence. For example, we may feel free because we can communicate with anyone through chat applications such as WhatsApp or Telegram, but on the other hand, many people now feel “stuck” in the digital world. The habit of checking cell phones every few minutes or feelings of anxiety when there is no internet signal is proof that we are increasingly dependent on technology.
Solutions for technology dependence
One solution is to implement Digital Minimum or digital minimalism. This concept was introduced by Cal Newport in his book entitled Digital Minimum. In essence, we must be wiser in using technology, choosing tools that are really useful, and limiting our time in the digital world.
2. Privacy issues
Technological freedom also comes with a threat to privacy. Many digital platforms and free applications actually collect user data for sale to advertisers or used for other purposes. For example, the Cambridge Analytica case involving Facebook shows how personal data can be misused for political purposes.
Freedom of expression in the digital world also does not always mean safe. Many countries apply censorship or surveillance on internet activities of its citizens. In some countries, internet access is even strictly controlled by the government.
Solutions to Privacy Problems
To protect privacy, users should be more aware of the data they share. Using a VPN service, avoiding apps asking for too many permissions, and reading the privacy policy carefully are some of the ways to protect yourself.
3. Digital Gap
Although technology provides freedom of access to information, there is still a significant digital gap. Not everyone has access to the same technology, especially in remote areas or developing countries. This creates inequality in access to information, job opportunities, and business opportunities.
According to a report from the World Bank in 2020, about 3.7 billion people worldwide still do not have access to the internet. In Indonesia, although there is an increase in internet access, there are still many areas that are experiencing digital gaps.
Solutions for Digital Gaps
One of the proposed solutions is to expand the internet infrastructure to remote areas. programs like Palapa Ring In Indonesia, it is one of the government’s efforts to overcome this gap. In addition, digital education is also important to ensure that people can make good use of technology.
Technology in the future: Are we getting more “Libres”?
Along with the development of technology, the question of freedom in the digital world will continue to grow. With the emergence of new technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and augmented reality (AR), will we be more free or more shackled?
AI, for example, can help us in many ways, such as automation of routine tasks or complex data analysis. However, AI can also be a threat if it is not used wisely, especially in terms of social control and control. Facial recognition technology, which is increasingly being used in some countries, is an example of a potential threat to individual freedom.
Blockchain and Financial Freedom
One technology that has great potential to free individuals from traditional control is blockchain. This technology underlies cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin and Ethereum, which provides financial freedom for individuals outside the traditional banking system. With blockchain, transactions can be carried out directly between two parties without the need for an intermediary, such as a bank.
Blockchain is also used in various other applications, such as safe and transparent digital voting, to irreversible data storage. This technology can be a new foundation in creating freedom in various sectors.
Metaverse: freedom or shackles?
The concept of Metaverse, introduced by companies such as Meta (formerly Facebook), also raises questions about freedom. On the one hand, Metaverse can provide freedom in creating a new digital world, where individuals can interact, work, and play without physical limitations. However, on the other hand, Metaverse can also be a new form of digital shackles, where people are increasingly isolated from the real world and spend time in a virtual world controlled by large companies.
Conclusion: Somos Libres in Technology
“Somos Libres” is the idea of freedom that is relevant in this digital era. Technology has provided a lot of freedom in terms of access to information, business opportunities, and creativity. However, this freedom comes with challenges, such as technology dependence, privacy threats, and digital inequality.
In the face of the future, we need to be wiser in utilizing technology. True freedom is when we are able to control technology, not the other way around. With the right approach, technology can be a tool that really frees us, according to the spirit of “Somos Libres”.
