I make it a point to rely on those services as little as possible, while maintaining some level of control. I do use Google, including their email, but keep a l

I make it a point to rely on those services as little as possible, while maintaining some level of control. I do use Google, including their email, but keep a local storage copy. I don't have any social media accounts, by normal definitions of social media. I try to rely on more open options, except where the value is such that I'll concede. As for the political aspect, it's reaching the point where these monolithic entities are exerting power. I recently had the occasion to watch regular network news and the difference in tone, when compared to online news sources, is palpable. What this will result in, I am not sure. I do think it marks a shift in culture and that our last election is just a signifier of the coming change. I try to be charitable, so I will point out that it's not often we get to witness so much social change effected in just a single lifetime. Usually, abrupt changes are accompanied with violence, coups, and upheaval. We shall see...