Supervillain Origin Story? Is the year of efficiency an origin story for the next hacker collective?

The recent wave of layoffs from the tech giants collectively known as FAANG (Facebook, Amazon, Apple, Netflix, Google) has dominated headlines. The reasons cited for these cutbacks are notably consistent:

• The pandemic-induced demand surge led to over-hiring as companies scrambled to meet consumer needs.
• With a return to pre-pandemic “normalcy,” these companies realized their staffing levels were unsustainable, leading to costly redundancies.

Stakeholders demand ever-higher profit margins, and thus, a workforce correction began. But there’s a new dimension this time around: the very public and emotional reactions of those affected, shared across social platforms like TikTok and LinkedIn.

Historical Context

Having witnessed both the dotcom bubble and the housing crisis, I can attest that while the economic fallout was more severe in those times, the emotional narrative was primarily channeled through traditional news media. For instance, the concept of “jingle mail” during the housing crisis poignantly captured the desperation of homeowners. Yet, unlike today, the collective struggle wasn’t as visible or as personal as the current trend of displaced workers broadcasting their experiences online.

Present Concerns

This leads us to ponder: are these layoffs, compounded by years of pursuit for efficiency, brewing a storm in the form of a new hacker collective? Historical trends suggest a correlation between economic downturns and the rise of cyber subcultures.

The dotcom crash, for instance, is credited with catalyzing more organized hacker groups. Disillusionment with the corporate world, felt by those betrayed by its collapse, fostered a new wave of cyber activism and crime

Emotional Resonance

Many tech professionals, myself included, have viewed FAANG as the pinnacle of career success. Yet, these same companies, founded on principles of innovation and good, have become emblems of excess and disconnection for the recently laid-off.

Anger and Inequity

It’s difficult to ignore the contrast between the tech layoffs and the opulent lifestyles of some CEOs. While it’s not my intention to pass judgment on personal expenditures, the optics of excess can understandably fuel resentment among those struggling to secure their next role

Origin of Every Supervillain

Most comic supervillains didn’t start off as villains at all. They were typically some normal everyday person that circumstances led them down a dark path. Many resonate with current circumstances:

1. They were loyal to an organization
2. They were or felt betrayed by said organization
3. Anger engulfed them and they vowed revenge
4. They acted on that anger

If we break down any super hero movie to its most basic components it’s easy to compare it to what’s going on in the industry.

1. Human goes to college
2. Human lands job at dream job
3. Human is given perks and compensation that allows them to enjoy life
4. Human is laid off from dream job
5. Human attempts to find work
6. Human applies for multiple jobs and is ghosted or goes through multiple rounds without getting an offer
7. Human sees Tik Toks of others struggling
8. Human reads articles of CEOs purchasing lavish toys
9. A sense of anger and betrayal grow in said human
10. Resentment grows

Once this anger sets in, it can be exploited and in today’s political climate there’s even money to be made. Tensions between global governments has opened a dark market for those who would be willing to provide their services to obtain information from other major enterprises. Many individuals that worked in the technology field have intimate information regarding security and potentially confidential projects that other governments might find interesting and may pay for it.

Not Every Path Leads to destruction

As we navigate the aftermath of tech layoffs, it is imperative to recognize that the vast majority of those affected are unlikely to harbor intentions of malice or revenge. This resilience not only showcases the adaptable nature of the workforce but also underscores the sector’s potential for reinvention and growth.

In fact Some of these layoffs may well plant the seeds for the next wave of trailblazing enterprises poised to reshape the tech landscape.. Technology organizations have been known to start in a small garage and explode to major organizations. Just six years ago, TikTok emerged on the digital scene, and today it stands as a formidable player on the global stage, posing new challenges to established platforms like Facebook and YouTube. I mean it’s also consider a national threat, but that’s an article for another day.

Yet, from a security standpoint, the risks associated with dismissing a highly skilled technical workforce should not be underestimated, especially in today’s volatile political climate and interconnected global landscape. The specialized knowledge that these individuals possess is valuable and, if not handled with care, could become a tool for those with less scrupulous intentions.

Conclusion

The human element often seems to be overlooked in corporate narratives surrounding layoffs, leading to a growing sentiment of disregard and disconnection. It is incumbent upon organizations to remember that each employee contributes not just to the workforce but to the organization’s cultural and ethical fabric. Recognizing the human impact of such decisions and approaching layoffs with empathy could mitigate negative outcomes.

There is a lesson in the midst of these turbulent times: balancing the drive for efficiency with a deepened understanding of employee value is not just good ethics—it’s also good business. Companies that prioritize the well-being of their workforce, even in the face of economic scaling back, are investing in long-term security and loyalty, which pays its dividends in both morale and reputation.

In the end, a forward-thinking approach that combines robust security measures with a genuine consideration for the affected individuals will serve not only to protect the interests of the company but also to foster a healthier industry and society. By doing so, we ensure that the next chapter for those impacted by layoffs is not one of villainy, but one of opportunity, growth, and continued contribution to the ever-evolving story of technology.