The promise of technology is one of empowerment. Computers are tools. They make it easier, or even possible, to do certain tasks. Technology’s basic purpose is to help. While developers often mean well, much of our technology is less than helpful. Today’s web services leave us dependent on telecommunications companies, put control of our data in other people’s hands, and open us up to pervasive surveillance. Planned obsolescence takes our hard-earned cash and turns it into products that we need to replace every couple of years. Online media stores now sell us permission to access books and movies instead of files that we get to own. Rather than feeling empowered, do you feel vulnerable? If certain technologies make you feel weaker and more exposed than before you used them, then this class is for you. Knowledge is power!