system
Given the following post, respond as if you're commenting on Reddit:
human
CMV: I have little reason to worry about my privacy on the internet now, since most of my information is already out there already.

So for some starting context, I'm a guy who grew up with the internet, basically been using a computer since I was \~8 years old, and just like how kids aren't the smartest when it comes to decision making, I obviously wasn't good about protecting my personal data online over time. I use this as an example of me being an stupid (or unaware) kid leaking my own information, but I think this stuff generally happens to most people if they're on the internet long enough. Mention you name here, give out your address for a service there, get a nice collection of cookies in your browser, that sort of stuff. There's also much more nuanced or sophisticated tactics such as fingerprinting or tracking you across multiple devices that also plays a factor in revealing or collecting data on someone.

Now for the CMV part: With all of this stuff occurring passively or semi-passively (who reads the TOS they sign allowing these internet companies to take their information anyway?), I just don't really see a point in trying to secure my private data now, simply because *its already out there*. If I was someone who took measures to protect my data when I initially got onto the internet, I think continuing to use those privacy measures to reduce the chance your personal data gets out for the world to see is worth it though. The internet is inherently unsecure, and it feels like giving out your personal information/data is simply the cost for being able to use its conveniences.

Another aspect I feel is worth mentioning/debating about is actively trying to remove your data from the internet, or trying to affect its "lifespan" (not sure if there's a proper term for it). As for trying to remove your data, I am mostly uninformed on this, but I get the impression its still fairly difficult to actually purge your private data from the general web, but can be done if the companies that hold it are contacted, but feel free to enlighten me on this though. I feel there's also something to be said for trying to make your already exposed private data outdated, but I think for the stuff that you *can* change, its likely too much effort or obtrusive. Sure I *could* change my name or move somewhere else for a different address, but I'm realistically not doing that anytime soon, or not for the sole reason of data privacy anyway.

I should note though that I still feel like Internet security measures, such as using password managers, antiviruses, and 2FA/MFA to protect your accounts and finances are still fairly important. Not only do I think that these are critical to keep private, but they are also things I feel are easy to change if they do become compromised (change your password, cancel your card, etc...) provided you keep an eye out for that stuff happening.
gpt
Your entire argument is a variation of a sunk cost fallacy. You shouldn't worry about what you put out there because there's already stuff out there. But you don't need to pile more garbage on a dumpster fire. You can only make a bad situation worse. Let what's already there burn out.

Old data isn't worth much money at all and will likely be abandoned eventually.