If you live in Mississippi, you may have noticed that you are no longer able to log into your Bluesky or Dreamwidth accounts from within the state. That’s because, in a chilling early warning sign for the U.S., both social platforms decided to block all users in Mississippi from their services rather than risk hefty fines under the state’s oppressive age verification mandate.

This consolidation of power is a dream come true for the Big Tech platforms, but it’s a nightmare for users. While the megacorporations get more traffic and a whole lot more user data (read: profit), users are left with far fewer community options and a bland, corporate surveillance machine instead of a vibrant public sphere. The internet we all fell in love with is a diverse and colorful place, full of innovation, connection, and unique opportunities for self-expression. That internet—our internet—is worth defending.

  • rothaine@lemmy.zipEnglish
    48·
    2 days ago

    Yes, instead of buying secondhand, he should buy new items at Walmart, Target, and Amazon. 🙄

      • rothaine@lemmy.zipEnglish
        17·
        1 day ago

        So you insult this dude and tell him “you have other options”, but refuse to elaborate on those other options. Got it.

        • youmaynotknow@lemmy.zipEnglish
          8·
          1 day ago

          Get offline and go out. I can’t tell you what your options are in your area. I could give you a whole list of the options in my area, but only you know where everything is in your environment.

          • rothaine@lemmy.zipEnglish
            1·
            1 day ago

            There’s salvation army and Savers, and that’s about it. Usually they don’t have great stuff. Unfortunately, Facebook marketplace is where people in this area go to sell shit.