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Re:Apple, Google criticised for Saudi Absher app that tracks... by _bxg1 on Tuesday February 12, 2019 @12:24AM (#19141262)
Be the change you wish to see in the world. Smartphones are now essential, so you can't completely avoid doing business with at least Google xor Apple, but you can absolutely give up one-click shopping. I've never used it. I've never had Amazon Prime. It's been multiple years since I last bought anything at all on Amazon. I've used Uber less than five times (and Lyft none), and the last time was over three years ago.

Don't act like these services are essentials. They're nothing but tiny conveniences. And while your individual boycott won't have an impact on their bottom lines, their entire existence depends on hundreds of millions of people in your exact situation, giving in to defeatism or not even caring in the first place.

Re:Apple, Google criticised for Saudi Absher app that tracks... by Santosh83 on Tuesday February 12, 2019 @03:24AM (#19141935)
Exactly. We seem to forget that our parents lived just fine and even happily without most of these instant-gratification and convenience services. It is possible, if we try.
Re:Apple, Google criticised for Saudi Absher app that tracks... by _bxg1 on Tuesday February 12, 2019 @11:34AM (#19144951)
There are people who often apply this logic to smartphones and even internet access, which is wrong. Those things are now as necessary as cars for participation in society. But there are plenty of other modern products and services that are very much just conveniences, many of which come from the companies with the most scandalous headlines.
Re:Apple, Google criticised for Saudi Absher app that tracks... by AlexandrB on Tuesday February 12, 2019 @03:18AM (#19141915)
> Smartphones are now essential, so you can't completely avoid doing business with at least Google xor Apple...

What? Why?

Smartphones are convenient, but essential? Phone calls and SMS/MMS still work without a smartphone.

Re:Apple, Google criticised for Saudi Absher app that tracks... by _bxg1 on Tuesday February 12, 2019 @11:31AM (#19144909)
There are plenty of (nontrivial) services, devices, etc. that you simply can't use without a smartphone any more. Most of that dependency is artificial, but it exists nonetheless.