nixCraft šŸ§Apr 16, 2025

Google is so sneaky. This prompt inside Gmail gives you three options. The two most visible options (number 1 is 'Try it now' and number 2 is 'Continue') basically mean 'Enable Gemini AI to write emails.' The third option cancels it which is hidden well. Google, you could do better than this. This is a perfect example of a dark pattern. For those who want AI to write basic emails can enable it but there is not need to do this kind of "shady" stuff.

#ai #privacy

Show threadnixCraft šŸ§
This is what I call technical debt (not the exact situation but you get the gist of it) from using Gmail everywhere for personal use and projects. Now Google Drive and Gmail are part of my workflow because everyone else I interact with is also hooked into Google ecosystem because of Android phone or tablets, from governments to private citizens/bizness. It is really hard to get rid of them. But, I'm going to do it slowly. I don't want this kind of sneaky biz. The trustworthiness is long gone.
Apr 16, 2025 at 9:39amWeb
Show threadWill DuckworthApr 16, 2025
@nixCraft I agree and I think there is momentum starting for others to do similar
Show threadGunChleocApr 16, 2025
@WillDuckworth @nixCraft People have been sharing software alternatives with the #UnplugTrump hashtag . you should be able to find recommendations there for whatever you want to replace.
Show threadRegApr 16, 2025
@nixCraft
Show threadLance, Enjoying Copious PollenApr 16, 2025

@nixCraft I've gradually pushed Google further out of my life. (I realize it's more difficult when collaborating with others.)

I killed Gmail, switched to DuckDuckGo, started running GrapheneOS, and navigate using OrganicMaps (or my standalone Garmin) when traveling. I'm still partially dependent on the Google Play store for paid apps, but I give them a lot less free data than I used to.

Show threadwolf8428Apr 17, 2025
@analogfusion @nixCraft Same, I started switching away from Google about a year ago, and I feel like I did it just the right time. I did it just before I had to start putting up with their stupid AI stuff (completely by chance).
Show threadLance, Enjoying Copious PollenApr 17, 2025

@wolf8428 @nixCraft My only question when encountering an AI-enabled device is "How do I turn it off?

I expend a ridiculous amount of energy fighting against AI creep.

Show threadwolf8428Apr 17, 2025

@analogfusion @nixCraft If you can, it is so much better to just get away from services that shove AI down your throat.

Gmail shoves AI down my throat, but I only keep a Gmail account for when I need it. But it's not what I primarily use, so I don't have to deal with it that often.

Show threadSensitivityiApr 16, 2025
@nixCraft Iā€™m in the same boat. Trying to slowly unplug from all things google