VPN + DeGoogled Privacy Android ROM would be the most practical. That way you should br free from most if not all cross device tracking.

In general having a seperate device for that stuff makes total sense.

Get some sort of device that is compatible with CalyxOS or GrapheneOS, like an older Pixel

not sure what would be best to handle verification.

You also have to be careful to use totally new accounts for everything on this new device, different number, different email, different device, different sim etc

the only thing that can really stop it IMO is mainstreaming decentralized social media and messaging services.

You’d need to effectively replace Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, Whatsapp etc… The only thing that totally keeps us from 1984 is that all these platforms for now have decided to be relatively free and impartial (compared to how bad it could be). But that could change at any time if the powers that be decide to on a whim. They could completely ban all privacy, pacificsm or any kind of political opposition tomorrow.

why do they even care? they get to sell more power

I never ”got" why people like Mint so much. it is mid