[mcdeltat]

Sure it's technically always a choice, but because society exists, some options are dramatically more plausible than others.

For example, say phones become more and more locked down and invasive. Technically you can choose not to have a phone, but how are you meant to function in today's society without a phone? Basically everything of importance assumes you have a phone. Technically you could make your own phone, I guess, but that's very difficult.

I don't think you can reasonably make the argument that because technically everyone can make their own choices, we should be ok with whatever status quo in society.

[chickensong]

I know, the expectation of phones and "just install our app" sucks, but it's easier than the alternatives for most people.

I don't think we should be ok with the status quo, and I think complaining about issues can be a catalyst for change, but rather than just complain about the state of affairs, I'm pointing out that alternatives exist, so it's on us to enact change.

TBH, I'm pessimistic about my words making a difference, but I want to promote independent/DIY mindset anyway. It's ironic that the frontier LLMs are proprietary platforms, yet they're enabling more independence to their users. Regardless, if everything goes to shit, we can still opt out and go back to the previous generation's lifestyle. No mobile phones and moving at the speed of snail mail doesn't sound all that bad, though I'd sure miss Google Maps.

[waffletower]

Its not a boolean choice. How often, and how you use a phone matters as well. While I am no stranger to screen time, my phone sees very limited and specialized use. I look at the weather, I talk to my car, I text when I am away from my desks. I am not using my phone now.

[waffletower]

"Basically everything of importance assumes you have a phone" -- this is far from the truth in my world. It seems that how one uses a modern smartphone shapes one's world view of what's valued and what's possible.

[jhbadger]

When I visit my parents, I often fly to the major airport a hundred miles or so from them and take a bus from the airport to their town. There used to be a desk in the bus station attached to the airport where you could buy tickets, ask the clerk when the next bus to your destination was, etc. A few years ago they got rid of the desk and have a sign with a QR code to download an app that gives schedules and let's you buy tickets. There is no other way to ride the buses now. This is just one example of how there's an assumption of "everyone has a smart phone" these days.