The answer, were I the person sitting across from you, would be yes and no. I think the people who work in social media companies see themselves as crusaders, on a quest to Do Good Everywhere. The problem is, they're ill-suited for the task. For one, they're human and humans are notably bad at making the world good. Second, they don't know nearly as much as they imagine they do. That is, eventually, they see we users as "units" or whatever word their Zoom meeting slideshows says. We aren't people but objects or, worse, assets. Those folks want to believe they'd act different, but they won't and never have. This is how it is.
On the other hand, you're bang-on about distant friendships. When I left Facebook, I also left relationships I liked and wanted to keep. I've managed to keep in touch with a couple folks from there, but only a couple, and I miss some of those I left behind. Still, leaving FB was a good move for my own health.
The answer, were I the person sitting across from you, would be yes and no. I think the people who work in social media companies see themselves as crusaders, on a quest to Do Good Everywhere. The problem is, they're ill-suited for the task. For one, they're human and humans are notably bad at making the world good. Second, they don't know nearly as much as they imagine they do. That is, eventually, they see we users as "units" or whatever word their Zoom meeting slideshows says. We aren't people but objects or, worse, assets. Those folks want to believe they'd act different, but they won't and never have. This is how it is.
On the other hand, you're bang-on about distant friendships. When I left Facebook, I also left relationships I liked and wanted to keep. I've managed to keep in touch with a couple folks from there, but only a couple, and I miss some of those I left behind. Still, leaving FB was a good move for my own health.
So...yes and no?
Jimmie, I apologize for not having responded to this sooner.
Also YES OMG THIS.