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Comment by fckthisguy | Hacker News Reader

Whilst I agree with the sentiment, I disagree with the message.

If I don't message my sister via Facebook she won't see it. She doesn't do email for private stuff and she's not going to install another app.

If I don't message my mother via WhatsApp she's not going to get it. She doesn't understand what the fuss is and WhatsApp is already complicated for her.

I'd love to be able to message people with zero extra effort but the fact is it's a non-zero amount between us and in the end I'm the one who has to go the extra yard.

I know this because I've not had a FB account in over 7 years now. Facebook's not necessary but it sure as hell is easier.

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This is just a lie Facebook wants you to feel. Your sister and mom care about you, they will easily prioritize their family member over specific apps.

How exactly do you think Facebook are telling me this lie?

You realize that I am speaking from experience not hypothetically; I don't have Facebook and there's been a marked decrease in both the number and frequency of messages from my family who rely on it.

I really wish this wasn't the case. The vendor lock-in with Facebook is really significant and I think those of us who leave the platform have to acknowledge that.

The sad part is that people tell this lie to themselves and resolve not to put forth any attempt to stay in touch, just accept “falloff” by others as evidence of Facebook lock-in. Facebook doesn’t even have to tell us this lie and use propaganda to convince us - we tell ourselves the lie!

Speaking as someone who never had Facebook, I’ve experienced zero loss of connection with anyone in many networks of family, friends, colleagues, etc. Just a simple email thread to share stories and photos here or there, phone calls, SMS text chats or other apps. It’s so easy and seamless to stay in touch with no part of it involving Facebook.

I really feel comments like these come from people who haven't successfully actually quit Facebook. There's a real heavy cost to not being on Facebook and most people don't feel the dependency because they've convinced themselves they can quit at any time.

No, there is not a heavy cost. It’s just a perception and myth to keep more people reliant on Facebook.

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