I used paper maps before internet and smart phones, I used to have a better sense of where I was . I bought a local map recently as well as a good compass, the compass just to get oriented in which direction things are.
I feel more connected and grounded than when using Google maps.
Surprises are part of this path but that's true of any adventure.
Or find the newspaper someone else was done with which was my way of doing things.
Worse than not having anyone around you, since they've all gone and no one is around to speak up on your behalf. This is how we end up lost in the "reprobate filing system" which includes jail and hospitals.
12 years here. It's not to deprive others of information either. I did it because if people with the ethics of Spez own it, they'll use for whatever means they see fit, meaning money, or paywall etc .
The information people seek is still out there in the same places we all got it from in order to post it on reddit.
Reddit made this mess by destroying trust. I have no idea how they'll use that information if I leave it there .
This is know: it won't be for my benefit, likely it will be used to manipulate,or in bad faith. Similar to Facebook and insta.
My experience matches op pretty much to a t. What I love about all of it is how light and free it feels. I don't feel hemmed in or funneled like I do on other apps.
Some forced Google bloat ware snatched it and ran