How Big Tech Shaped Trump 2.0
The 2024 U.S. election bears some striking resemblances to 2016, but the digital and media landscape today is vastly different from what existed during Donald Trump’s initial political ascent and the subsequent transformation of the Republican Party. Platforms like Twitter and Facebook, as they existed in 2016, are now relics of the past. Similarly, many of the digital strategies used to resist Trump’s first administration have faded away. The evolution of social media platforms, ranging from TikTok to Truth Social, has fractured the once-unified public discourse into isolated echo chambers.
Today, Big Tech companies, empowered by their vast surveillance networks and algorithm-driven environments, have taken on an unprecedented role. By fostering siloed digital spaces and profiting from misinformation and polarization, these tech giants have amplified Trump’s influence. With a potential second term, Trump’s administration could grant these corporations even greater authority to shape the nation’s digital landscape.
While parallels to the 2016 election persist, it’s critical to recognize the profound changes in media ecosystems. Platforms that once hosted collective digital resistance have either transformed or disappeared. Facebook and Twitter no longer function as they once did, while newer platforms, like TikTok and Truth Social, operate with entirely different dynamics.
The fragmentation of the public sphere has only grown more pronounced. Shared digital and physical spaces are shrinking, making collective activism increasingly challenging. Moreover, the same tech monopolies that profit from splintering our sense of reality and cultivating algorithm-driven bubbles are the ones throwing their support behind Trump. These monopolies will likely wield even more influence during a second Trump administration, further shaping the digital present and future.
The current state of digital activism is a reflection of this fractured landscape. Unlike the unified online resistance of 2016, today’s efforts are spread across diverse platforms with varying levels of visibility and influence. Activists face the dual challenge of combating misinformation while navigating corporate-controlled ecosystems that prioritize profit over public good.
Renowned science fiction author and activist Cory Doctorow sheds light on these issues in his works, such as Chokepoint Capitalism and The Internet Con. His analysis highlights how Big Tech’s monopolistic practices stifle innovation and entrench inequalities. Doctorow emphasizes the need for interoperability—breaking down artificial barriers between platforms—and for empowering users to reclaim control over their digital lives.
Trump’s political resurgence underscores the influence of Big Tech in contemporary politics. These corporations have not only facilitated the spread of his messaging but have also benefited financially from the resulting polarization. With Trump back in power, Big Tech is poised to consolidate its influence further, shaping regulations and policies to protect its interests.
However, this growing monopoly is not without opposition. Efforts to enforce antitrust laws, particularly in the U.S. and Europe, aim to curb the unchecked power of these tech giants. For example, recent rulings against companies like Google signal a renewed focus on promoting competition and breaking up monopolies. Still, progress remains uneven, and the fight for a fairer digital future is far from over.
To counteract Big Tech’s dominance, structural changes are necessary. These include restoring competition, enforcing regulatory frameworks, and fostering interoperable systems that allow users greater freedom. Additionally, empowering tech workers through unionization can help resist exploitative practices and push for ethical innovation.
As Doctorow points out, the fight against Big Tech monopolies is not just a technological issue—it’s a social and political one. The solutions require collective action, whether through policy reform, grassroots activism, or international cooperation. By addressing the root causes of monopolistic control, there’s hope for a more equitable and democratic digital future.
The 2024 election has highlighted how deeply intertwined technology and politics have become. Big Tech’s role in shaping public opinion, curating information, and influencing political outcomes cannot be underestimated. As Trump’s return to power looms, the need for vigilance and action against tech monopolies has never been more urgent. The battle for a freer and fairer digital landscape will require bold strategies, relentless activism, and a commitment to holding both corporations and governments accountable.
