I was talking to my friend O.B. this morning, and he gave me an analogy that really resonated with me. I think it's a great illustration of the differences that exist between online and offline, especially when it comes to tolerance to invasive practices.

Someone knocks on your door and offers you the following deal.

They will install a new telephone and a new 65" 4K TV in your living room for free. They will even offer you a free upgrade once a year.

In exchange:

You can only call people who took this deal;

You can only watch programs hand-picked for you;

They can install microphones everywhere;

They can listen in on every conversation you have;

They can track every person that comes and goes in your place;

They can do more stuff with your data, but it's not exactly clear how or for what purpose;

Finally, you accept to receive flyers and ads in your mailbox with coupons and offers about products and services they think you'll love.

I don't know a single person who would accept this offer in real life. Somehow, Facebook managed to have two billion of us sign up.