There is this often used phrase about 'history repeating'. There is also the fact that people forget very, very quickly. And with smartphones and internet, we are (very well) trained to shrink our ability to remember and memorise anything, facts or events. Because our dependence on them feeds the market. The more dependent people are, the more they sell. A similar pattern applies for any other addiction (cigarettes, alcohol...). I see all those people acting surprised and indignant after the recent Facebook scandal. But ... do they remember a certain Edward Snowden? I agree it is a huge scandal, but I'm not at all surprised - sadly not at all surprised...
Some people chose to leave. As an act of protest, perhaps rebellion? Or is just statemental? Fine, fine... Will they start writing letters again, send telegrams, and throw bottles in the sea? Wherever they go, whatever app they may use, it will be the same. If we really want this to change, we have to change the way we live, think, act and consume. That takes time. And lots of will. Do smartphones train us to achieve that? ... Not the occasional cream puff idealists.
