I’m starting to wonder what the real benefit even is anymore. Between the technofeudal landscape we live in, where billionaires own the means of communication, data is constantly mined for profit, and surveillance is baked into every layer, it feels like I’m standing at the beach, using my bare hands to push back an endless tide.

Even when I take the so‑called “liberated” path through Linux, self‑hosting, and privacy tools, it often feels futile. The web itself is poisoned. Browsers are turning into tracking engines. Sites rely on manipulation and dark patterns. Social media is full of misinformation and ragebait.

Even open-source projects are being pulled under corporate influence (ex: Firefox adoption of AI).

It feels exhausting to route around a web that’s already been captured.

So I’m asking myself: what’s the point? Why not just step away?

Why not trade the illusion of digital control for actual peace, get a dumb phone, a CD player, and check out books, movies, music, and games from the library as my entertainment?

Does anyone else feel this way? Have you found ways to reconnect with technology?

  • mrnobody@reddthat.comEnglish
    3·
    2 days ago

    I’ve been casually spending weeks deGoogling and deMSFTing my life. I say casually because I’m not rushing to wipe it all out. I’m also not super paranoid about fully self-hosting, I’m using what seems to be a mix of convenience plus privacy.

    I deleted all social media a decade ago, I use a generic Google acct for my phone, I use Proton for email (generic as can be info) and a few other services for convenience without feeling like it’s selling/hoarding all my info. I’ve got all family using at least RCS if not Signal.

    I also don’t use fingerprint, facial recognition, or any smart speakers with live mics. I have my home network pretty locked down, with most devices segregated that is anything “smart”.

    I feel I’ve accomplished quite a bit having done this, but I know there’s so much more I’d like to clear. My biggest downfall is credit cards. Sucked into cash back and perks, but looking to move to prepaid/reloadable debit cards so that I can still buy online as guests with minimal info. I mean, they might have my physical address, but I don’t feel like paying for a PO Box at the moment. “Credit” is such a fucked system. I don’t care if I run my credit closing these accounts, maybe keeping 1 for emergencies. That’ll take time too.