I’d say if you have a relatively clean phone such as a Pixel or another one with minimal bloat, and install a ROM that comes with all the google apps and everything, then the benefit is probably fairly minimal.
But if you do a degoogled ROM then it’s a huge difference. Stuff like GrapheneOS, CalyxOS, /e/OS.
Or if you have a phone with a ton of bloat and additional crap added like Samsung or the many Chinese brands, then even a ROM like LineageOS with google apps would be a big improvement in where data is getting sent.
From only thinking about it for a minute I’m not sure using a Linux x86 device vs a smartphone with a custom ROM changes anything, since all the traffic from websites, chat apps, etc is encrypted with SSL already. There could be other benefits I didn’t think of maybe…
IMO the best option is grab a google pixel, flash GrapheneOS, use a VPN, and only install open source apps that aren’t full of analytics. You can throw it in airplane mode if you don’t want to be tracked by the cell carrier.
A phone with graphene is also MUCH more secure than a Linux x86 device in terms of law enforcement searches or theft of the device. And is safer against malware and having your data potentially stolen.
I don’t see how a hotspot for internet is going to be any different from using data directly on the smartphone.
If you don’t want it always on you can just enable airplane mode when you don’t need a connection. And turn off the GPS, wifi, and bluetooth if you don’t want those used for location stuff.
Using a VPN could be part of the reason, I imagine they don’t like people making accounts using one.
The best way I can think of is go to a library or something that uses a standard browser with a normal fingerprint, and is not on a VPN, and try signing up for a new account there using a new email address on gmail/yahoo or another ‘normal’ email provider. You want to look like a normal average user.
All the anti-fingerprinting and privacy stuff just makes you stand out more because there is less data being presented.
I am not in person social person but I really need a sense of community which is what I used Reddit for.
You’re on Lemmy which has some of that! Also worth joining some discord groups for things you’re interested in, or matrix if they are active (not very common).
If you’re using addy.io domains then it’s not on a domain you’re paying for…
I would just make an IG account if it’s being a large obstacle, you probably don’t have to install the app as you can do most things through the web browser.