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by piva00 951 days ago
> Being rate-limited by LinkedIn isn't a contemporary analog to being extorted by force. You're choosing to use their service. You can choose to not use it.

If you include network effects, does everyone really have that choice?

For example, I can't choose not to use WhatsApp to keep in touch with my family and friends in Brazil. It's simply not possible because some of them won't use another messaging app, I've tried and they will simply forget it exists because no one else uses Signal there except for me. It forces me into the Meta-world because of that, I'm not really choosing it, they aren't forcing me with violence, it's shadier than that, I simply need to since they've captured so much of the marketshare.

LinkedIn isn't the same, consequences are you might miss some job offers, you will need to find workarounds for recruiters to find you, or for you to find positions, but there are other apps that are definitely on the path of "I can't choose not to participate".
1 comments
marcusverus 951 days ago
> If you include network effects, does everyone really have that choice?

The network effects just increase the value-add of the platform, making foregoing the platform more costly (in terms of unclaimed utility). There is still a choice.

> For example, I can't choose not to use WhatsApp to keep in touch with my family and friends in Brazil. It's simply not possible because some of them won't use another messaging app... I'm not really choosing it

Having a compelling reason to use a service is not remotely the same as being forced to use a service.

> it's shadier than that

High-value-add services are not shadier than violence.

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piva00 951 days ago
> Having a compelling reason to use a service is not remotely the same as being forced to use a service.

Hence "shadier", violence is not shady, it's pretty in your face, it's shady I'm forced to use an app not by choice but just because such apps have captured enough of the market that there is absolutely no way for a competitor to be a suitable replacement.

Sure, I have the choice to simply lose contact with 50% of my family if I would like to stand up to my principles and cut Meta from my life.

Is that really a choice?

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