You might be exaggerating the dangers a bit I think, but I'm not disagreeing with you.

I'm kind of a hard sell though because I think sometimes that life before there was an internet was preferable.

To be sure, like anyone, I can think of plenty of positives that the internet has brought. But as a net positive? I'm increasingly having my doubts.

yep. the whole purpose of this is to stop people from communicating with each other, and only consume approved vetted sources. they'd probably prefer to keep tech out of people's hands entirely (why would serfs need that?!?), but it is too useful for the purposes of surveillance and control.