The Reason Roundtable Reason Vs. Breaking Points: Does Big Tech Do More Good Than Harm?
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Dec 17, 2025 
Robby Soave, a journalist championing tech's benefits, and Elizabeth Nolan Brown, a writer focusing on personal freedoms, argue that big tech enriches daily life. They highlight advances in remote work and alternative media that enhance opportunities. Countering their claims, Emily Jashinsky raises alarms about surveillance and state power linked to big tech, while Ryan Grim emphasizes its military uses and ethical implications. The debate dives into the complexities of regulation, gig economy impacts, and the nuanced relationship between corporate and governmental power.
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Constrain Government, Not Just Companies
- Limit government power over platforms rather than relying on firms to resist state pressure.
- Robby and Elizabeth argue constraining government action is the practical fix for surveillance and censorship risks.
Commercial Data Use Versus State Surveillance
- The debate shows disagreement whether 'surveillance' for ads equals government surveillance; commercial data use can be beneficial for personalization.
- Elizabeth Nolan Brown stresses voluntary data exchange often funds free services and targeted ads many users prefer.
Tech Dominance Is Often Temporary
- Platform dominance shifts rapidly; new entrants can and have displaced incumbents over time.
- Robby and Elizabeth point to historical churn as reason to doubt permanent monopolies.