I wish more people would do it (though I’ve been advocating for this for a long time). The network effects are still strong, and people are loathe to try another platform that may not serve the same needs.
I keep trying to push people away from WhatsApp (somewhat easily, I should say) because there are many alternatives. Instagram is tougher. The newer federated alternatives like Pixelfed aren’t there on features, and they don’t even have a mobile app yet! Facebook groups is another thing that doesn’t have a good enough replacement.
In certain cases Facebook remains the best option to reach people. I’m not talking about personal messages or interactions, but about things of value to larger communities focused on social good.
They're invaluable for democracy. Right now, there are a number of anti government, pro democracy protests taking place in my country. All of them are being organized and spread via Instagram and WhatsApp
That's about as practical for me as giving up my local water utility as an inner-city dweller. I mean I definitely could. I can get large bottles of potable water delivered quite cheaply, and I guess I could setup a system so that that's what came out of the taps.
But what I really want is for the government to intervene so I don't need to give up my local water utility, by guaranteeing minimum levels of service, and providing solid regulation.
There are lots of communities and events that are organized through Facebook. Also lot of my friends are on Facebook and they organize gatherings etc through it.
Could you create an empty account with no personally identifiable info and use that to see events? Before deleting FB I deleted the app from phone and used browser only. If I went back it would be as a zero value profile.
This is already jumping through hoops. If my friends organize birthdays they do it through private FB events and group chats, meaning I would have to still readd all the friends I have. And at that point I am sure my new account could be correlated and linked to my old account.
Some groups like my local housing community I would have to explain who I am and give a huge spiel about how I deleted my Facebook account and I am actually X.
You can internally think doing something is frustrating, but the more frustrating things you are willing to do for the friendship the more it shows you value that friendship. And it does require effort, there is no argument about that.
Well the argument was whether one can do reasonably as well without Facebook. So the point is there are quite many inconveniences caused by that. This is why it would be preferable that Facebook was regulated properly.
It is not as simple as asking to send an SMS. I will be missing out on a lot of information, bonding opportunities, picture sharing and I will be that annoying dude making others jump through extra hoops as well.
I am personally not going to make that sacrifice.
I could also live in complete isolation in the woods and without friends. I just do not want to live like that being constantly paranoid.
It is. Inform your friends that you don't use Facebook and ask them to treat you the same way they would treat any other friend that doesn't use Facebook: reach out and communicate through any of the other myriad ways available to everyone.
> I am personally not going to make that sacrifice.
That's fine, but any objections you have to Facebook's behavior ring hollow since you recognize the problem but are unwilling to do anything about it. You are thus part of the problem.
> I could also live in complete isolation in the woods and without friends
Silly hyperbole. This is not the end result of not using Facebook.
I can still object and demand government to do something about that. This is my legal right. If I quit Facebook it is not going to solve the problem on a higher level except alienate me from other people.
This is not a silly hyperbole. It would be a solution to avoid sharing your data with anyone. There are also other entities that could abuse your data.
Social media is my primary means of communications with my friends and family, and wider support network, which I absolutely need to survive.
Yes, I could find another way to contact my support network. I could also find another way to get drinkable water. I'd rather there was simply regulation though.
