1) Actually you can use a tablet or phone. As for tech savvy, if you can figure out tones for a repeater I think you can figure out Facebook or a group page.
2) When it comes to GMRS at present it isn’t.
3) Amateur radio certainly can do it legally, in part because it has the room for it.
I understand the desire but I don’t think it’s essential to talk to my neighbors via radio from across the nation. A phone will suffice just fine. That’s what I do if I need to speak to a neighbor while I’m away. There are internet based radio like services as well. It doesn’t need to be or IMO even should be GMRS. .02