Techbitch: teaching young audiences to think critically about Big Tech
Dutch public broadcaster VPRO developed a bold and innovative approach to media literacy with Techbitch, a six-part satirical youth drama and mockumentary series that makes the hidden mechanics of Big Tech accessible for teenagers.
The concept
In the series, creator and performer Stephanie Louwrier sets out to expose Silicon Valley’s addictive business models, data exploitation and privacy violations while trying to become a tech CEO herself. Stephanie transforms herself into a tech entrepreneur and launches her own platform, called Steef Space.
Through six episodes of around twenty minutes each, she builds out her digital empire and uncovers how apps are designed to be addictive, how personal data is turned into profit, how AI can manipulate trust and intimacy, and how tech companies influence politics, regulation and public opinion. What starts as a playful fantasy of power turns into a revealing journey into the mechanics of digital power that shape today’s Big Tech reality.
Humour meets education
Stephanie’s alter ego “Techbitch” allows the series to be both funny and critical. She combines documentary storytelling with humour and satire, while experts in the field provide real-world information through immersive encounters. With this original approach, VPRO’s series makes complex socio-technological themes accessible for young audiences.
At a time when Big Tech reaches far beyond the marketplace and shapes everyday life, Techbitch turns the invisible forces of the digital world into something audiences can see, question and laugh at. Stephanie becomes a provocative female anti-hero, offering a fresh perspective on a world traditionally dominated by male tech CEOs. The series uses the fantasy of becoming one of them to expose the culture and power structures underneath.
The series is even accompanied by educational materials developed with ProDemos – House for Democracy and the Rule of Law. The materials are designed for children aged 10–12 years old.
Takeaways
A key learning from Techbitch is the power of combining this educational content in an entertaining way. By using humour, satire and a strong central character, complex and abstract topics become accessible without feeling like a traditional lesson. The series shows how storytelling can encourage young audiences to question the digital world around them, rather than simply telling them what to think.
The project also demonstrates the value of extending content beyond the screen. By connecting the series to educational materials, expert knowledge and classroom discussions, the learning continues after the episodes end. This creates a more lasting impact and turns a piece of entertainment into a starting point for critical conversations about technology, power and digital citizenship.
Ultimately, Techbitch shows that media literacy does not have to feel like a lesson. The combination of entertainment, humour and critical viewpoints provides the audience with the tools to engage with the digital world with both curiosity and a more critical eye. It demonstrates how media organisations can use storytelling to help young people understand the forces shaping their digital lives and develop the confidence to question them.
Article written by Daemen Van Laere, with the input from Helena Jensch (VPRO)
