I somewhat agree. But the thing is if you were on Youtube prior to the crackdown/censorship(2016), Youtube WAS the ALT platform. It was like the wild-west, and we had total freedom to say and create content about anything we wanted. I wish I would have gotten started sooner, but I was late to the party.
The other issue is the current internet.
When I started using the internet it was vast and open. Most people who wanted to create something, did it themselves and it was their platform, their website, and under their control. Anonymity was also very prevalent.
The first time I ever used my real name online was when I signed up for Facebook. This was the beginning of persistent/unified ID's online. Now everywhere you go you can log-in with your FB, Twitter, and Gmail accounts.
The internet before was very much decentralized. Now we have these major hubs: Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, Amazon, LinkedIn, etc. and so forth.
Platforms like LBRY, Hive/Peakd, and Minds are great, but they aren't what their competitors are.
On Facebook, the people I first started befriending were all people I knew in real life. On Minds I don't know anyone in real life, and I don't think any of my real life acquaintances use Minds.
Yes, I've been down the same path - I've had four FB accounts and one of them actually has my real name. Most of my old "real friends" have unfriended or blocked me, but I still have that original real-name account, along with one of the others to switch to when I get blocked.
But all mainstream accounts are on the terms of "them" rather than us, and I hope platforms like 3speak replace youtube eventually
I've basically stopped using FB, and most of my personal social-accounts. After I broke up with my ex I kind of withdrew from keeping up an online presence. Not sure if that's healthy or unhealthy, but I just don't feel a need to be involved with most of the people I know anymore. There was a time when I had a lot of friends, and went to a lot of parties, but that's just kind of lost interest to me. I think most of what drove me was women, and I'd rise and fall because of my investment in them.
One friend who I'm still in contact with, was considered crazy when he became more religious, moved to a rural area, and started to stock up on food, guns, and ammunition. I too used to think he had lost his mind, but now I think he was kind of ahead of the curve.
When I was younger, I found that most of my beliefs on social issues, politics, and life were pretty popular opinions and I'd share them pretty often. Back then seemed like I was one of the only ones who really cared. Now, everyone else cares too much, and my opinions are definitely on the fringe.
If I were to tell everyone I know my beliefs, I know they would consider me insane. So I think I understand where you're coming from, but I never expressed it to my real-life circles online.