“I can’t install an app because a dependency depends on another dependency that I already have installed but in ever so slightly the wrong way, but I have another app installed which depends on this dependency being installed the way it is now, so I’ll have to compile the app from source instead and tweak the config file to work with my version of this dependency, but I also can’t compile the app because of the dev environment dependencies.”

Install gentoo

Hard disagree. Nobody is above this stuff. Thinking you aren’t vulnerable is a good way to become more vulnerable.

This isn’t a plug, but it is a link to an article I wrote for exactly this reason. I tried to succinctly explain why privacy matters with real work examples and precedent.

https://emilsmith.pro/articles/posts/2023-06-29-practical-tips-for-protecting-your-data-ditching-google-and-why-it-matters/

Cambridge Analytica was a company that used machine learning algos on Facebook user data to target hyper-specific political propaganda to many small segments of voters, rather than few large segments. They spent years testing and refining their process in the developing world in preparation for deployment in the West.

Steve Bannon was the VP. As soon as they pulled off Brexit, he left to head up Trump’s campaign using the same techniques.

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cambridge_Analytica

Let’s not forget that they were fined $5 billion for deliberately misleading users about how their personal data was used in regard to the Cambridge Analytica scandal that effectively swayed over 200 elections all over the world, including both Brexit and Trump’s 2016 presidential campaign.

Seriously, everyone seems to have forgotten about that shit and it’s fucking insane.

I actually really like this take. Maybe this is just social media growing up, becoming more focused and self aware. The fediverse is currently super rough around the edges, but it really knows what it is. That’s more than can be said for pretty much any of the big social networks.

I’m so down for an open, transparent Internet with focused communities and small websites.