To ask how to go back to a simpler tech life?

[GetMeOutOfMeta]

So about 2 years ago my FB was hacked, linked to my Instagram which was also hacked. I have never been able to regain access and actually have realised I don't care any more. Recent events (Trump) and the latest update on my mobile this morning that Meta AI is now installed automatically, makes me want to completely unplug. I am on android currently. Has anyone done this or got any advice on switching phones (think new number too - completely change) to get more 'off grid'? I think the most I need is a camera but actually think maybe not having internet on my phone would be a relief - although not sure how this would work with banking? Any ideas? Is Apple better or should I go full on brick phone?

I noticed the meta AI thing on WhatsApp today (on iPhone). Is there a way of removing it?

I don’t have Facebook and try and keep sm to a minimum but I use WhatsApp for loads of groups. I like TikTok and my algorithm there works quite well but I still have to limit the time or I can easily lose half an hour!

It was on WA I noticed it too - the circle. I went into settings and disabled 3 Meta apps that I had (under M so not convinced I got all of them) but it is still running - yes I turned phone on/off again!
It's really freaked me out if I am honest. I was happy to let them take my social media - was great for my MH - but now it feels like they've got control of all my comms too.

I’m currently in the process of doing this due to being hacked on FB and having my photos “cloned” (they ended up on another FB profile) - same with Instagram as they were linked. It’s so dodgy on there. But I quite like Instagram so have locked it down to just a handful of friends now.

I also realised that I want to minimise my digital footprint. I don’t want my face everywhere or even my job title (deleted LinkedIn)

I don’t even want WhatsApp. But I rely on it for now

had another email this morning saying my data was affected by a leak on a website yesterday. it does make you think. Dumb phone sales have doubled! So we aren’t alone (although I love having a camera phone and I love Spotify!)

Tricky balance isn’t it.

Very doable but you'd need to go ask these questions in an actually technically literate forum.

Either get a dump phone or get your phone rooted and manually remove all meta apps (assuming rooting it's possible, go check in xda or similar).

And no, iphones are even worse in how restraining they are.

I also HATE seeing that meta symbol on my phone, I'm guessing it would go away if I got rid of WhatsApp, which I would if all my contacts would agree to use signal instead 🤷🏻‍♀️

Can you just delete the apps you dont want? Or put a timer limit on the apps that are sucking your time? Or turn off the wifi? Maybe just put it in a box when you get home and give yourself a 30 minute window each day to do what you need to do?

I've tried turning Meta off and disabling the apps but it still is there on WhatsApp.

I really feel I want to go back 10 years and just have a camera phone. I do use it to look at my bank though which is the only worry I have as I know many banks are getting very hard to contact or verify without a mobile phone number.

If it's good enough for the US security forces... ;-)

You can’t - https://www.computing.co.uk/news/2025/ai/meta-rolls-out-ai-on-whatsapp-in-europe-and-users-cannot-disable-it#:~:text=Meta%20AI's%20integration%20into%20WhatsApp,turn%20off%20the%20AI%20functionality.

That is interesting, thank you!
Currently trying to find a basic flip phone that can do contactless payments but not sure it exists!