> It is misguided to say ""if you're not paying for the product, you're the product"", because it makes it seem like we are complicit in sustaining surveillance capitalism—and we are not.
Yes we are. Since you are using google, an iphone or an android. Since you are using uber, you are complicit.
You don't need to live like the Unabomber to avoid being complicit. You can use an adblock use linux and firefox instead of chrome, get a premium search engine like kagi instead of google, get a linux phone, use normal taxis instead of uber and there you go, you are no longer complicit.
vouaobrasil•1d ago
Agree with that. We accept surveillance capitalism every time we accept the convenience of Google and other services.
fsflover•1d ago
I'm using a GNU/Linux phone (Librem 5) as my daily driver and I can tell you it's not easy. It creates unexpected problems with banks and other important entities who require apps to deal with them. I wouldn't blame people with less free time than me for using Google/Apple phones.
drweevil•1d ago
This is the root of the problem, isn't it. Yes, we can decide we won't be complicit, but our banks, our supermarkets, our employers, our hospitals, all remain complicit, as part of the monopolistic environment that is in place to protect the revenues of these companies. Yes, some of us are savvy enough, and more important, can afford not to be complicit. But most, like those nurses, do not have these advantages.
throwawayffffas•1d ago
Yes we are. Since you are using google, an iphone or an android. Since you are using uber, you are complicit.
You don't need to live like the Unabomber to avoid being complicit. You can use an adblock use linux and firefox instead of chrome, get a premium search engine like kagi instead of google, get a linux phone, use normal taxis instead of uber and there you go, you are no longer complicit.
vouaobrasil•1d ago
fsflover•1d ago
drweevil•1d ago