Hmm. I've always accepted the desire to know more and to understand the universe as a given universal good. But when that same understanding gives a small minority the ability to leverage power and influence over others, maybe this starts to break down.

We've always been able to say "no thanks" to nefarious influences. "No thanks, I won't look at the advertising in your newspaper. No thanks, I'll pass on the television. No thanks, my kids don't need to have a smartphone to watch YouTube at the age of 3."

But it's getting to the point where staying disconnected from the people with the ability to manipulate us is impossible. For example, we're not allowed to manage our home rental through AirBnB unless we have a smartphone. You'd think you could do it through the computer but it's just not allowed.

So it gets to the point where you can't say "no thanks" any more unless you're ready to renounce all of society.