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Comment by GreeniFi | Hacker News Reader

The analogy to this is saying, “if you don’t like climate change, just stop using fossil fuels”. Great as far as it goes, but the problem still exists beyond the bubble of my own consumer preference. We’re moving towards big FB regulation in Europe - I hope - which would set a precedent for it globally. Although my choice would be the Chinese solution...

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Choosing not to use Facebook is in no way analogous to choosing not to use gasoline or electricity.

It’s analogous in that the problems associated with its use don’t disappear if only you stop using it.

That is what advocacy is for.

I stopped using it based on advocacy by others.

You can too.

you can stop using Facebook, but Facebook is still using you by way of its trackers on company websites.

So?

Let them. In fact, let them continue to escalate all that means.

It is all on a path to greater regulation.

And, once it gets there, I will very gladly point out they got what they deserve.

...so we actually agree with OP's premise that they should be regulated?

Totally.

> Let them

No.

I'm not going to do nothing while people hit me in the face just because the law might, at some point, give them what they deserve for it.

I'm going to do what I can to make the face-punching stop first.

Such as?

Your question underlines the problem.

I don't use these services, and put up as many security barriers against the data collection they engage in as I can, through the use of VPNs, firewalls, avoiding the execution of Javascript, etc. But I can't stop everything.

Even so, I'm going to stop as much as I can. I refuse to just lay down and surrender.

Great! I do similar things.

In my view, it all counts. Surround the problem.

Maybe not but Facebook could be looked at as a resource to fulfill or strengthen a basic human need: human connection (like electricity can fulfill or strengthen climate control so we can survive harsher weather).

The Chinese solution of nationalizing social media...? Really? https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Social_Credit_System

Oh no. I meant kicking FB out altogether. Anyway, we already have a form of social credit in the West. It’s called your credit score, and you can’t buy a house without being a good boy.

"a form", yes. But it is a very superficial similarity. As long as you have enough money and as along as you pay people on time, no one will care about what else you do with your life.

The social credit score in China is based on state-sponsored gamification and the latest psychological insights. This takes things to a completely different level.

Sure you can -- if you can pay in cash

> the problem still exists beyond the bubble of my own consumer preference

Rain isn't very wet: it's only tiny drops

Plus, it doesn't even solve the problem within your own bubble.

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