[drob518]

So, everyone needs to have $500 to be able to purchase a smartphone, otherwise they can’t participate in society?

[pc86]

I was referring specifically to the idea that the Americans with Disabilities Act should cover people who simply choose not to utilize or learn a particular piece of technology which has been around for the better part of two decades.

The "poor people don't belong in society?!?" trope is completely different (and kind of boring).

[BonoboIO]

There are 50$ smart phones that could do that …

[EvanAnderson]

There's more "cost" to an 81 y/o person picking up their first smartphone than just the money they'll be spending.

[pc86]

Well context is important and this was in directly response to the (spurious strawman) claim that if you can't spend $500 on a phone then you are excluded from society.

[r0m4n0]

Yea I'd argue even less. You can get a used android phone w/ shipping for $15 on ebay. A new android phone for $30!

That's the price of one meal at a restaurant...

[raverbashing]

lol not everyone wants/needs an iPhone

And yes. People need to get on with the times.

In the same way people "need" a power connection in their house. And water plumbing. And used to need a phone line to "participate in society"

[trollbridge]

So what's next?

Do they also need to have an age-verified Facebook account?

Plus an attested age-verified operating system on that phone?

Are they allowed to use GrapheneOS or do they need to use only the vendor's stock ROM image?

Is it OK if they turn off surveillance on the device or is that required too to "participate in society"?

[Am4TIfIsER0ppos]

I know you're joking but the future will be: No. Yes. No, stock only. No, surveillance required.

[raverbashing]

I don't think he's joking, some people are just like that