... was yesterday.
Tim Cook delivered the news (source article):
If a business is built on misleading users on data exploitation, on choices that are no choices at all, then it does not deserve our praise. It deserves reform.
We should not look away from the bigger picture. In a moment of rampant disinformation and conspiracy theories juiced by algorithms, we can no longer turn a blind eye to a theory of technology that says all engagement is good engagement, the longer the better, and all with the goal of collecting as much data as possible.
Too many are still asking the question "How much can we get away with?" when they need to be asking "What are the consequences?"
What are the consequences of prioritizing conspiracy theories and violent incitement simply because of the high rates of engagement?
What are the consequences of not just tolerating but rewarding content that undermines public trust in life-saving vaccinations?
What are the consequences of seeing thousands of users joining extremist groups and then perpetuating an algorithm that recommends even more?
It is long past time to stop pretending that this approach doesn't come with a cause. A polarization of lost trust, and yes, of violence.
A social dilemma cannot be allowed to become a social catastrophe."
Like Apple, hate Apple. Doesn't matter. They have created an ecosystem - and a brand - that just works, works well for 90% of the people, and does so in an elegant and distinctly "futuristic" way.
In remaining true to that core of elegance, they have become the most valuable computer company ever.
And they have done so while retaining absolute control over the ecosystem they created which ensures that 90% of their users will have a brilliant experience, thereby earning their loyalty and further purchases into the ecosystem.
It's just a good business plan.
And it has worked.
Facebook does not have a good business plan. It has a business plan that was hastily taped onto the back of a running cheetah, and the cheetah doesn't care about the business plan.
And I've been completely wrong before. (See my prediction about Twitter.)
But... I'm standing here on the shore... looking out at the ocean on this pleasant day... and I notice that the water has receded quite a ways.... even beyond the low-tide line... and it looks like the horizon is... what?... getting taller?
Hm. Maybe I need to start heading for higher ground about now......