Most of these 10 arguments are explanations of what I would hope experienced internet users already know about how Google and Facebook make money. If you don't know what their product is and how they sell it, you should read this book. Lanier lays it out in plain English.

The only chapter that really interested me was argument 10, about how social media mimics and distorts our spirituality. Acknowledging your own ignorance is a key component of science and spirituality. Algorithms reward us for confusing our ignorance with truth; virality is the only truth. Additionally, there are features of spirituality that algorithm internet mimics, providing users with cheap answers to questions about the purpose of life, intrinsic value, identity, and worthiness.

The author's goal is not to bankrupt Facebook and Google, but instead to force them, through boycotting, to reform their business model. I don't have a problem with Google because my experience has been overwhelmingly positive. More transparency would be welcome, though. I will delight in the day that Facebook sinks. If only it would fade away like Myspace. I just don't see how I can quit. Whatsapp is an essential tool for business in Brazil, more than email in my case. Whatsapp is owned by Facebook. Currently it is free and there are no advertisements. So, follow the money. It claims end-to-end encryption, so much so that when Brazilian judges have ordered the company to provide copies of messages, FB resisted and said it was impossible... but user experience suggests otherwise. Many people have reported seeing advertisements appear on Instagram after mentioning a product only on Whatsapp. And in Dubai you can be fined for using swear words on Whatsapp--obviously it's selective enforcement, but how would LE know unless it wasn't truly end-to-end encrypted for all users? Zuck is a liar and not to be trusted, that's the bottom line.

Anyways, I had already deleted all social media apps except Whatsapp off my phone and unlinked my FB login from 3rd party sites. I never click on ads, I keep my "partners" privacy settings as tight as the options allow... but it's still the best way to communicate with friends scattered around the world.

Thinking about this quote from alt-right writer Mencias Moldbug:
"In many ways nonsense is a more effective organizing tool than the truth. Anyone can believe in the truth. To believe in nonsense is an unforgeable demonstration of loyalty. It serves as a political uniform. And if you have a uniform, you have an army."