Comment by sotix
1 year ago
This is the death of the hacker. We have allowed new heights of power and unchecked control decide they know better than us. We are no longer allowed or trusted to make choices in our best interests. Many practice apologetics for why this is necessary, pointing to Apple and Mozilla, as if that doesn’t make this change any less devastating. It was a great run.
The silver lining is it can be the birth of a new generation of hackers. This generation’s version of the printer inspiring those who refuse to accept the hostile hand they’ve been dealt. Tech doesn’t have to be this way. You don’t have to accept these changes. Rebel! Start hacking away. Don’t join these companies. Found new ones that prioritize valuing users first forever. It’s a difficult task. But all difficult tasks we’ve solved were.
> We are no longer allowed or trusted to make choices in our best interests.
Ironically (or not) this is the Apple side of the Android/iOS debate. And most people are happier with iOS. (And use Macs over Linux, FWIW.)
[I probably shouldn't mention that I personally think adblockers are unethical :) ]
> And most people are happier with iOS.
Source?
> And use Macs over Linux, FWIW.
This could be explained by marketing.
> I personally think adblockers are unethical
Do you think ads are ethical? For a relevant example, how about an Apple ad that successfully uses emotion to convince you to buy a Mac instead of a Linux computer that would better suit your needs at a better price hypothetically?
> Do you think ads are ethical?
Generally, yes. Ads are an important function of commerce, tbh.
False ads, of course, are not ethical. But we do have laws in that area (not that people don't break them.)
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> (And use Macs over Linux, FWIW.)
Interestingly, ChromeOS (Linux) has a higher market share than MacOS.
Being forced to run random code and be tracked is unethical. But I should probably mention I'm a big supporter of the small web.
> [I probably shouldn't mention that I personally think adblockers are unethical :) ]
Okay, I’ll bite. How are adblockers unethical?
Because websites make their money from ads.
There is an implicit agreement that using those websites (for free) means you watch ads. I think: if you don't agree with that, then you shouldn't go to those sites.
We complain about "enshitification" -- but then we take away all potential sources of revenue (and refuse to pay). So the only companies that can provide "free" services are ones that are already monetizing you in other ways.
> Many practice apologetics for why this is necessary
Sadly, on HN, of all places...