this post was submitted on 24 Apr 2026
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I really don't think that specific emotion is isolated to gen z.
I remember all the promise and excitement that tech had back in the late 00's and early 10's. Things were unique and fun. That's just not true anymore. Every new software update adds shit that you didn't ask for and don't want (AI, ads, removal of user freedom). New hardware releases are either an underwhelming iteration of specs from the previous version, or an unimaginative device that has the same basic look and feel as every other device it's competing with.
Tech used to be fun and exploratory, now it's just companies pushing to see how much they can be allowed to exploit you for the least cost.
Oh boy. If people would just start seeing that open source still gives you exactly this, but you know, Linux is for incels and shit, I much more prefer being spied on by big corp.
Linux and FOSS tech about to become the new mainstream underground punk rock hangout spot.
And that's awesome! :)
Well, no. It's because Linux has never tried to appeal to casual users. Even if you download something like Ubuntu, you still have to jump through hoops sometimes to install things. People are turned off by using command lines.
With Mac and Windows, you just search up what you want and download it.
Compatability is a huge thing too.
I'm a new Linux convert. And I love it! But you're right. Also, in the past, when I tried to convert (when it was more difficult), the Linux communities then were um, less than helpful.
I remember back then not being super comfortable with the terminal, and they were like "Fuck off and come back when you know how to program simple shit, you fuckin' newb."
So I put it off for a long time. Now I love going into the terminal and learning new things. And it doesn't seem like linux communities are as elitist as they used to be. But yeah, back in the day, I had such a bad experience with them, I actively boycotted Linux stuff. I was just a young office professional and needed my computer to work without a lot of tweaking.
I love it all now though! And I have plenty of time to tweak because I don't work. Even tho, to be honest, it's all pretty easy to install these days.
The fun and exploratory tech still exists, its just not sitting as a single product on a store shelf in a plastic clamshell package. The maker space is where all the exciting exploration is happening. If you have an idea the technology likely exists to make it happen, and the cost of the parts won't break the bank. Lots of reuse of cast off out-of-date tech can be integrated dropping the costs even more. While there are even better solutions, if you're just getting started pick up an old Arduino or Raspberry Pi (not the new expensive high end models) for under $30. Grow from there to microcontrollers like the ESP32 where it gets even cheaper for about $5 each. Learn to solder! Learn modeling and 3D printing! Use an operating system that lets you control your system instead of one that you just have to accept what they give you.
It really is an amazing time in tech if you stop accepting a products as they are, and instead what you want them to be with your own modifications.
Yep, but that doesn't fit the doom-and-gloom outlook that most of Lemmy has. You're post is totally right on though!
I feel the same. I quit working in tech. It really has no soul anymore, specially talking to chat bots and agents.
Tech now is building the infrastructure for dystopia and its so obvious.
Are you still working? If so, doing what?
I quit the whole rat race. Early retirement with pension. It's way better on this side of things. And I never had the nice tech jobs that made most of lemmy rich anyway (even tho you all complain about being poor--$85K+ is rich for most people, guys). But at least I don't have to work anymore. :)