Obviously it is hard to quantify control so I don't have hard numbers to present, but I ask you: can you name a more efficient surveillance device than a smartphone?

Note that smartphones became ubiquitous very recently, I would say during the last 10 to 15 years (before that, they did exist but were used by a tiny minority of people).

Clearly that's the prominent fact and claim to be proved out.

It is certainly the most important claim discussed, but it's concerning that we have to wonder whether you intend to question the shifting of opinions instead of the claim.