Hi privacy community. I genuinely want to hear from both people who are very private and those who didn’t go to such an extent.

I started my journy since high school and replaced a lot of stuff since then.

Ditched most of Google’s app . Only 2~3 apps on my phone require google play store(Banking/School’s app/ Train ticket).

Switched to Protonmail + Email alias, and manage my passwords with Bitwarden.

Got off social media and made sure I removed all data that can be found about me in quick Google searches.

Switched to Linux for desktop.

But

I can’t get rid of gmail because I still need those apps, and some professors heavily relies on google services.

Windows ain’t getting off my laptop because I need to make sure document format and software compatibility don’t become reasons I fail a class.

I feel like the obstacle I hit isn’t just convenience anymore, it’s my life and the situations I’m in.

I wish to hear what kind of dicisions / realizations / mindsets you guys had in your journy.

Thanks in advance.

  • makeasnekEnglish
    2·
    7 months ago

    You have solved what you have direct control over, the next step is things you have indirect control over like the policies of your school or government. Get engaged civically. Vote and advocate privacy in your community and to your elected representatives. Ask businesses if they will accept forms of payment which provide greater privacy than credit card like Bitcoin lightning or Monero.