I definitely feel like people are looking at things through research tinted glasses. I would be lying if I said I didn't think about that stuff.

But at the same time I just got my associates degree while working full time. I didn't have to go to classes because it was all online. I didn't need to go spend hours at the library. I was able to type up my papers.

If the majority of people don't want things like social media, they can always stop. They can find a basic phone. "But they need it for work." Sounds to me like work is only easier then. I'd rather have easier work.

Edit: I will say though, sometimes I do actually miss some things. Like I wouldn't mind renting a movie every now and then if I could afford it. It made getting a movie more special. But even then, the convenience of streaming is also hard to beat.