DuckDuckGo, Start Page, or Qwant might have been a little more in the spirit of Mozilla and privacy.
Then again it takes about half a second to change the default search to your own preference.
Google is probably the most approachable for the vast majority of users. It is a sensible move in that regard.
It is puzzling that anyone thinks that Apple would introduce a security system so flawed that a mask could unlock a phone. Good on them for trying, but I imagine that for now it is a fools errand to try and beat Apple's Face ID with relatively primative methods.
I am not going to lie, I still use facebook for its ubiquitous nature. It is kind of a glorified email to stay in touch with some family and friends who have made it a primary form of communication. I really do think it has become too big for its britches though, and is expanding to the point of not being able to support its own weight. It is a mess, and I wouldn't miss it ever so slightly if we just went back to having photos of my nieces and nephews Halloween costumes emailed directly to me rather than posted on facebook.
I have been pleased with their service. It wasn't much hassle to set up, particularly. Was certainly a little trickier on my linux machine.
I find the speed has almost been completely acceptable. I have had only a handful of times where it seemed sluggish and bogged down.
I know there is a some question of whether they can truly be trusted? Do they truly not keep logs? And they are US based which are all things to consider. I weighed those factors against the customer reviews, price, and simplicity of their service, and I think my choice has served me well. Their rates are dirt cheap for what seems to be a reliable service.
On one hand it can be appreciated to see a movement of mainstream media making itself accessible to anyone anywhere. Preserving and enhancing the global flow of information is of utmost importance.
On the other hand, who on earth wants to read the New York Times?
You are on to something. I think Facebook is nearing the point of exhausting its reach, or is at least extraordinarily close. There will be an inevitable backlash where we are finding Facebook is this unruly multi-headed mass of features and services no one really asked for or needs. The overreaching of these services will eventually wear thin on the public and they will want to simplify their digital footprint and value privacy a little more. I am already seeing it in the under 20 crowd. They have grown up seeing their parents entire life smeared all over Facebook and it isn't "cool." At some point, I have to think, the public will want to reclaim some of this and we will see things scale back to a simpler form of "social media."
Google is probably the most approachable for the vast majority of users. It is a sensible move in that regard.