Privacy action is better than isolation from modern technology. Here’s why:

[u/CCPareNazies]

Minimizing your exposure and optimizing privacy settings is valuable, but it’s not enough. True, permanent, and workable change can only be achieved through communal action—not just individual privacy maximization.

While withdrawing from modern technology might seem like a solution, it ultimately limits your ability to engage with and influence the systems that shape our digital lives. Instead, focus on action that makes a tangible impact: • Vote for representatives who prioritize digital rights and privacy. • Contact your representatives and share your concerns about privacy-related policies. • Spread awareness thoughtfully, without resorting to alarmist or conspiratorial tones. • Vote with your wallet: Punish companies that don’t respect privacy by refusing to support them, and reward those that do by choosing their products and services. • Support privacy-focused organizations like the EFF, Privacy First, Access Now, and NOYB (None of Your Business) through donations, volunteering, or active involvement.

We’ve seen that organized action works: for example, the EU ban on biometric surveillance in public spaces, California’s privacy laws, and GDPR protections demonstrate how regulation can safeguard privacy when people demand change. These victories show what’s possible when we advocate together for systemic reform.

These steps are far more effective at creating meaningful, long-term change than isolating ourselves from the technology that connects us to our communities.

Let’s work together to protect privacy while staying engaged and empowered.

[u/TheAtomicMango]

I disagree that we won’t get ‘burnt out’ from technology.

More importantly, we forget that social media is a complete experiment, and we have absolutely no idea what it does long-term to the brain.

Until we know the long-term effects, we can’t determine if it’s a benefit or net negative economically, which would cause it to be banned quickly if it wasn’t beneficial.

[u/CCPareNazies → u/TheAtomicMango]

I agree that social media is, in many ways, an experiment—we don’t yet fully understand its long-term effects, and different jurisdictions are tackling it in various ways.

While I share concerns about its impact on children, I see government abuse of privacy to undermine civil rights as a far more existential threat. As for economic incentives driving policy, they don’t always hold sway. After all, alcohol is legal in most places despite contributing almost exclusively to economic harm.