I couldn't agree more. What's frustrating is that we seem to be getting the worst of both worlds too; privacy in the face of archeology and public memory, but

I couldn't agree more. What's frustrating is that we seem to be getting the worst of both worlds too; privacy in the face of archeology and public memory, but complete lack thereof in the face of nation states and many companies. (yes yes "gdpr will solve this" that's another long and contentious discussion that I'm putting off for now.) As et-al said in a sister comment, in "ye-olde-internet" pseudonyms and some degree of anonymity was de-facto. When the real-names policies first started coming out, there was real pushback. Nowadays I see much more sentiment towards having some central authorities to protect users, and it worries me as, among other things, a loss of agency and empowerment to protect onesself. (do not read this to say that there are spaces regulation isn't important; but pushing the line too far and normalizing a lack of awareness and ownership over your situation is a real risk if the pendulum swings too far)