[l33tbro]

I read the subtext as OP being concerned that the same degree of dystopian data collection and race-to-the-bottom work culture eventually may occur in their own backyard. That's also a pretty common human fear.

It's also tricky territory, however, as it's actually an economic imperialist perspective. Ie, pining for a Western quality-of-life reminiscent of the 195X-2008 period all but guarantees that, somewhere else on the planet, swathes of your fellow man will be systematically fucked over to facilitate your bubble.