Many people in the West are pessimistic about the effects of digital technology on our lives. In their view, algorithms are increasing social inequality and AI is undermining democracy. But people in the Global South seem to have a totally different perspective. Gen Z-ers find these new technologies uplifting and powerful and are trying to reimagine digital space for pleasure, protest and progressive politics. Digital anthropologist and author Payal Arora (Utrecht University) tells how countries such as Brazil, China and India are at the forefront of technological innovation. Can their creative approach make us more hopeful about the digital future?