but I just get SMS 2FA from my bank.

How do you feel about the claims of SMS 2FA not being safe? Does that bother you? Or is it a risk you’re willing to take? Genuinely asking because my banking app does the same and I’m not sure how much of a real ‘threat’ SMS 2FA is.

The same as a firearms registry keeps guns out of the hands of criminals?

I know I’m a completely jaded and bitter old Gen Xer for saying this but, there’s never going to be such a thing as a better social media app because social media (I’m referring generally to the suite of apps, not just Pixelfed).

I think it’s a lot to do with developing a threat model that works for you, and understanding that, unless you’re trying to be Jason Bourne, there’s always going to be SOME compromise - the level of compromise again, depends on you.

A couple years ago when I started down this rabbit hole, I was doing EVERYTHING that I read on every privacy blog: I started using GrapheneOS, completely degoogled my phone, didn’t use any non-FOSS apps, no location apps, the whole 9 yards.

I soon came to realize I had to find a compromise. I now follow a threat model that best works for me… Naturally there are weaknesses in it, but it’s things I’m willing to risk.

1. I use Element with anyone willing to use it with me. I use QKSMS with anyone else.
2. I created a separate profile on my phone with Graphene that only has my banking apps. It still uses Aurora store and sandboxed Google services.
3. I don’t live in an area where things like Uber are available so that ones not a problem for me.
4. OSMand+. I won’t turn it on (or location) until I’m away from my house and already on the way. You can also manually download apps for offline and use it like an old school paper map.
5. Kind of unrelated but, I use Obsidian for almost everything I keep track of in my life. I document my fitness exploits on Obsidian.
6. I’m not sure what you mean by this one… I use my phone calls as per normal but usually try and text (see #1 above) my phone also has a record button when you call someone - I’ll generally record every conversation I have with anyone from any company, etc.

That’s just my little process… Hope some of it is helpful to you.