‘A Mix of Paranoia and Rebelliousness’: Manifestations, motives, and consequences of resistance to digital media

Internet use is the norm in Western societies and only few people consciously abstain. This article explores manifestations of digital resistance, motives for resisting, and consequences thereof. It sets out to map digital resistance through thematic analysis of semi-structured interviews with 16 Swiss adult internet users. Our findings show that a central motive for resistance is viewing services as problematic because of surveillance practices, lack of privacy, data-monetizing practices, or monopoly position. Digital resisters are characterized by low trust in digital corporations, a wish for more regulation, and high internet skills. Unless digital resisters have an understanding social circle, a consequence can be social exclusion. Mostly, digital resistance can lead to heightened self-empowerment and thus greater subjective well-being. This article contributes to a more in-depth understanding of digital resistance in a highly digitized society and lays the ground for appropriate regulatory practices that addresses individuals’ needs.