Would love your thoughts on daycare. Is it NEEDED for the socialization?

I specifically wanted to get this subs thought’s on the topic. I had zero plans to ever send my baby to daycare, but I read a Reddit comment (go figure) stating if you don’t start your child on daycare prior to preschool, they’ll freak out from suddenly been thrown into a school-like atmosphere.

I’m seeing how many of my friends send their babies to daycare (even if they don’t work) and encourage it.

Not daycare shaming at ALL but it is personally something I did not want to do because of my own experiences as someone who was sent to daycare since they were a baby. However, I can see how the socialization aspect of it makes sense. What are your thoughts on daycare, and for that matter, preschool?