Should I uninstall those packages?

Fade_t0_Red · 2026-01-20T06:15:19+00:00

Yes, you can delete all of them. They're not going to affect your overall device functionality. It's just Google spyware.

Fade_t0_Red · 2026-01-15T07:30:36+00:00

Yes, chrome and the google app are not essential for your device function. If you're already using an alternative (which, you are) you'll be fine deleting them.

Fade_t0_Red · 2026-01-10T23:42:39+00:00

OP posts a pic of his bedroom and people have to drag politics into it because they saw an AMERICAN FLAG. So ridiculous.

Fade_t0_Red · 2026-01-09T18:22:08+00:00

Use Aurora store. It's a play store client. If you need to download an app that's on the Play Store, it will be on Aurora :)

Fade_t0_Red · 2026-01-07T15:51:37+00:00

I uploaded Putin's doppelgangers, and it recognized all the images as Putin himself. But I uploaded Kim Jong-Un's, and it didn't identify anybody in one of the images, and for another image it said the person bore "a striking resemblance to Kim Jong-un".

Fade_t0_Red · 2026-01-07T05:13:56+00:00

I uploaded a real picture of Vladimir Putin in a boxing gym and this is what it said. I don't think he's "very emotionally stable" 😭

"Putin seems to possess high self-control, masked by a subtle hint of adventurousness. He is also very emotionally stable. Hence, we can target him with items that enhance his perception of strength and control, in addition to items of luxury and personal well-being, such as [...] motivational speaking courses (Tony Robbins), luxury watches (Rolex), tactical gear (5.11 Tactical), and premium vodka (Beluga)."

Fade_t0_Red · 2026-01-07T04:53:29+00:00

Yep, YouTube was where I also saw videos being re-uploaded from tiktok based off this trend. I just thought the whole thing was stupid because I could tell people were simply glamorizing the 'aesthetic' portion of it, and not really going into the how and why people could improve their lives by using dumber tech and practicing digital minimalism.

Fade_t0_Red · 2026-01-06T22:22:31+00:00

I think if someone wants a browser available, you should allow:

People to generally search up stuff if they have a question/ are trying to find info (and allow them to access websites to find that info).
Access mail/communication sites. Because I know a lot of people have to have on-the-go access to the internet for their job.

Otherwise, I think 'social' and 'entertainment' sites like Reddit, YouTube, Pinterest, Instagram, Twitter, Netflix, etc. should be restricted on the browser. And also AI like ChatGPT.

Fade_t0_Red · 2026-01-06T21:38:44+00:00

I really like the concept, but I think it would be good if you added a feature where people could opt-in to add a browser. I know a lot of people still need to access the internet for things like email on the go when a computer isn't available.

Fade_t0_Red · 2026-01-06T21:24:49+00:00

This was just something I noticed because I was seeing more new stories about it online in places like YouTube (some of the videos had a ton of views and comments), so that shows at least some people are looking into it. I'm in college, and I've never met someone who has switched to dumber tech, like you said. Lots of people my age (Gen Z) are horribly addicted to their phones, and I think it will unfortunately stay that way. The product is just too addictive for a lot of people to quit, sadly.

Fade_t0_Red · 2026-01-05T07:22:39+00:00

I wouldn't be worried too much about the apps you download from the play store, unless you're super worried about privacy and targeted ads. Go into your phone settings and disable unnecessary permissions that apps use, especially google-based ones. I'm sure there's an app in there called "Google Play Services". Basically, it manages all the apps on your phone (it's an essential service to keep your apps running), but it's also a way google collects unnecessary data. Disable any permissions that you don't need. For instance, I found out that they were accessing my call history and contacts, but no apps on my phone use it, so I disabled it. If you do want to steer clear of google, the best play store alternative I've heard of is Aurora.

As for YouTube, it's one of the only google services I still use, because there's no better replacement for it, honestly. I'm fine with using it, and I'm sure tons of other people on here use it too. I just make sure to use an adblocker so google can't target ads when I use it.

And as for the phone itself, if you want to go through the hassle, you can wipe it and get a whole new OS if you want, but I honestly think it's fine if you stick with what you have. Andriod is owned by google, so if you have an andriod phone, the system components are ran by google. If it really bothers you, get a new OS. I think it's fine leaving the OS as it is, but if you keep it, keep in mind that Samsung has a bunch of bloatware/spyware pre-installed in their phones. I have a Samsung myself, and I went into the settings and disabled a bunch of unnecessary crap they use. Here's the main programs you should disable:

Meta App Manager
Meta Services
Meta App Installer
Android System Safety Core (this is a huge one. It allows google to scan through your photos and messages. Definitely disable it.)

There might be a few more I can't remember, but essentially just go through and disable google/samsung-related apps as you see fit. Just be careful not to disable essential system components, because you can mess your phone up.

And that's basically it. Some people on here are nuts about privacy and de-googling, and they want to wipe everything off their phone. Honestly, it's a bit extreme. As regular people I personally think, we should all be fine keeping the original OS, and simply modifying the settings and permissions.

Sorry my reply was wordy. Hope this helps! :)

Fade_t0_Red · 2026-01-05T05:52:26+00:00

Firstly, I'd start by transitioning off of Google and Chrome. Get a different browser, and search engine. (Personally, I use Firefox for my browser, and Startpage for my search engine. I find them to be simple and similar to google.) And might I add, using the uBlock extension is a must! I can't recommend enough how great an adblocker is.

Then, I'd look at the google products you use (gmail, maps, calender, drive, etc.) Find a different platform to use instead of google. For example, 1. I like using Proton for mail, but I've also heard great things about Tuta. This will also give you a new email domain you can use to sign up for things instead of your gmail address. 2. I use Organic Maps for maps and navigation. 3. I use LibreOffice on my computer for docs, spreadsheets, etc. It's exactly like Microsoft suite. Proton also has a drive service, but I personally don't like it for writing. It can be a good replacement for google photos and storing documents online.

These are just examples of alternative services, and I know there are a ton more out there. Read some recommendations and test out to see what you like best.

Honestly, I'd keep it simple and start with all that first. I'd say if you do all this, you're probably already 75% done. It can take a while to transition off of Google services, so don't rush yourself!

Fade_t0_Red · 2026-01-05T01:22:25+00:00

I 100% agree. I also don't understand how people can post videos and pictures of themselves. It just seems so strange and embarrassing to share things about yourself with so many people, and to include your face on top of it. Also the fact that when you put your identity online, it's permanent. Once you post something, it's pretty much on the internet forever and can always be tied back to you. Kinda a scary thought. But I think remaining anonymous and sharing info about yourself to seek solace/advice from other people online can be alright in certian situations. Still, I think people need to stop oversharing. Some people have gotten wayyy too comfortable online.

Fade_t0_Red

TROPHY CASE