Because the network effect reduces choice and competition. I don’t get to vote with my wallet with Facebook. I can participate in society or not have Facebook.
My mom was recently told by a state elected representative that she would have to contact them through Facebook to provide feedback on legislation. This is not a “valid tradeoff” nor does it have to do with “entertainment”.
That was one example, and personally, not a strong one. That does not stop one from participating in society. Society is much larger than the single example provided.
I miss parties my friends throw because I'm not on FB.
I miss neighborhood activities such as coordinated yard sales because I'm not on FB.
I miss out on events from my local Hackerspace because they often forget to post on anything but FB.
I miss out on family reunions because I'm not on FB.
I miss announcements from my kid's fucking school because I'm not on FB.
These are all things that have happened to me, personally. Sure, I'm a single data point, but if the above isn't society enough for you than I'd be interesting in what your definition is.
Two data points. I briefly caved and created a FB account, and I'm grateful for some of the life events that occurred as a result, but I couldn't handle it any longer and closed it.
And now I'm missing out on virtually everything related to my family, my hobbies, the club I helped found.
A citizen being unable to contact their elected official about legislation that could have an impact on their life because said elected official only uses Facebook as a contact page isn’t a strong example?
I highly doubt congress critters are only using facebook for communicating with their constituents. While the staff member may prefer people to use FB, the reps still have email, phone numbers, and physical mail addresses.
My mom was recently told by a state elected representative that she would have to contact them through Facebook to provide feedback on legislation. This is not a “valid tradeoff” nor does it have to do with “entertainment”.