It’s Not You, It’s Them
Let’s be real: Your relationship with Big Tech? Kinda messy. Sure, you’ve had some good times online (the viral video that made you laugh so hard you spit out your matcha? iconic), but lately, every scroll sesh and comment section deep dive leaves you with the ick. From comparison culture to AI-generated slop and zero regulations in sight, the red flags keep piling up. We know you think you can fix them, but like any good bestie, we’re here to tell you that you deserve sooo much better.
Social media and AI products are dangerous and addictive by design — created to keep you scrolling, liking, and sharing without any regard to the harmful content you could be exposed to. And while you’re stuck in your doomscroll, CEOs and their companies are cashing in, lining their pockets with billions of dollars, gaining global power, and dodging personal and corporate accountability. It’s high-key toxic behavior that puts profits over people. So, the next time you’re feeling the digital heartbreak, remember, it’s not about you needing to change. It’s about demanding change from the platforms that shape our lives.
It’s time for a hard reset — to set boundaries and swipe right on a digital future that gives you exactly what you need. Big Tech might’ve tried to gaslight you, but you’re onto them now, and you’re not settling. And hey, it’s not just about you. When you stop making excuses for platforms that don’t love you back, you’re helping younger generations avoid the same messy situationship. Because looking out for each other online is the ultimate girls’ girl move.
Learn how you can hold your toxic tech accountable!
If They Wanted To, They Would
VIDEO
All of this digital drama? It’s not a “you” problem; it’s a system problem. Big Tech loves to play the blame game, making you feel like you’re the one in the wrong (there’s that gaslighting again). They might convince you that all you need to do to fix things is “unplug” or “find balance.” But low-key?
All the timeline cleansing in the world won’t fix the endless algorithmic pressure or the fact that your data is basically an all-you-can-leak buffet for bots. Think of it like this: You wouldn’t blame yourself for wanting more from a relationship if the other person demanded your attention 24/7, creeped on your private messages, or said some things that were way out of line, right? Big Tech deserves the same energy.
When did you start using social media?
Do you think Big Tech companies have a role to play in how their products make you feel?
Yes
No
Unsure
Elementary School
Middle School
High School
Rarely
Never
How often do you
use chatbots?
Every Day
Couple Times a Week
they never take accountability
The Messy Timeline of Tech regulation
Big Tech, We Need To Talk
Ready to tell Big Tech how you really feel? Use these resources to take action and join the movement for better tech regulations and safer online spaces.
JOIN THE MOVEMENT OF GEN ZERS TAKING ON BIG TECH
Share Your Story
1996
The situationship begins. As more and more people go online for the first time, Congress enacts Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act, which says that online platforms aren’t responsible for what their users post (no matter how wild). It’s one of the earliest examples of Big Tech getting a free pass to dodge accountability, leaving us to deal with the drama.
1998
Congress takes a step to redefine its relationship with Big Tech, passing the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA), which outlines rules and regulations for websites targeting kids under 13 and those that know they’re collecting personal information from children under 13. Healthy boundary setting? We’re here for it.
2026
While Congress settles for the bare minimum, the courts call out tech companies’ major red flags. In landmark legal battles in California and New Mexico settled in March 2026, Big Tech is held accountable for enabling child exploitation and intentionally building addictive social media platforms, racking up $378 million in combined fines.
in the tech trenches
Explore real stories from people who’ve experienced digital heartbreak at the hands of Big Tech.
VIDEO
“I started to realize that I didn’t have a strong sense of self.”
Nikki Iyer.MP4
VIDEO
“There were some key decisions that were made at the executive level that trickled down to the lived experience I had."
Lennon Torres.MP4
VIDEO
“We’re all finding the groove of things we actually want to see online rather than things that are pushed on us that are negative.”
Mo Cooper.MP4
MI Governor Gretchen Whitmer.MP4
Go ahead, spill the tea. Whether it’s privacy breaches, sketchy AI chatbots, or cyberbullying with no consequences, your experience can help shine a light on why Big Tech needs a *serious* reality check. Drop your story to itsnotyou@hercampus.com, and let your voice inspire others to speak up about their experiences with toxic tech.
Defining My Relationship With Social Media On My Own Terms
A Digital Detox Won’t Fix Our Relationship With Social Media — Holding Big Tech Accountable Will
They Knew,
They Didn't Care, & We Are All Paying For It
Editor: Katy Girardi • Designer: Neula Ha
All opinions are 100% our own. © Her Campus Media 2026
Do you think Big Tech companies have a role to play in how their products make you feel?
How often do you use chatbots?
When did you start using social media?
Lexi Underwood.MP4