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> I distinctly remember this view that this would make society better, that it would be a big step forward for humankind. Never had this. Maybe a little bit ab

• hinkley 2y ago
  People forget that the vocal majority of FOSS people back then thought Microsoft was a danger and were engaging to counter them. OSS is founded as much on what it rejects as what it embraces.
• whstl 2y ago
  Maybe not in rich countries, but internet and smartphones in poorer countries were definitely viewed in a very positive light. Specifically, "Digital Inclusion" was a term I remember from before smartphones became popular, and how important it was to get everyone on board. Well, smartphones were what brought internet to them, and this progress was celebrated. With Social Media it was a bit more complicated, as it only became accessible to the general population of poorer countries at the same time it started receiving criticism internationally. They don't remember Myspace. (EDIT: Maybe you're talking about the article in general, but the paragraph the text you quoted comes from is about smartphones, social media and internet)