I think you're both right, though in different ways.

GP is correct that life today "beats" that from the 90s -- as far as convenience/friction is concerned.

OTOH, just like how "sitting is the new smoking", a 100% frictionless life is not better in every way. It atrophies several important faculties like the ability to deal with boredom (or people who aren't exactly your type), focus for long periods of time on work, etc.

Viewed from this perspective (and as a parent myself), I agree that 2024 does not beat 1994.