I think it has at least something to do with the startup/VC shift from “building” $thing to “exploiting” $thing. It used to be that the huge tech companies made

I think it has at least something to do with the startup/VC shift from “building” $thing to “exploiting” $thing. It used to be that the huge tech companies made something of value. Lately it just feels like they’re extracting value from the system. Uber exploits “contractor” loopholes, AirBnb exploits hotel/housing regulations, Facebook exploits our privacy and democracy. That is pretty grim. If that’s the way to “succeed” with a startup these days then I do think startups are pretty grim. I can’t speak for others but I don’t really want any part of creating a company like that.