Honestly, that mindset is way too narrow. For instance, companies and services like GrapheneOS, Fossify, Proton services, and many others are free or have free versions, but that doesn't mean they're selling your info to aliens from Mars or whatever. They might be supported by donations (like GrapheneOS and Fossify) or have paid versions of the product (like Proton and Tutanota services). Either way, saying "if you're not paying for something, you're the product" as if it applies every single time is a really outdated way of thinking.