I think it's quite interesting that - perhaps to my tinfoil-hat side - we're ending up somewhere between Orwell and Huxley.

- Orwell feared the truth would be actively concealed. Check.

- Huxley feared distractions would be so great that no one (or very few people) would care to seek the truth. Check.

- Orwell feared we would become a captive culture. Check.

- Huxley feared we would become obsessed with consumerism and preoccupied with distraction. Check.

- Orwell assumed we would be controlled by inflicting pain. Check (foreign policy).

- Huxley assumed we would be controlled by inflicting pleasure. Check (domestic news cycle, reality TV, lack of education.)

Both had valid points and we're seeing both approaches being used. So where we end up, I have no idea... where we are isn't great.

Talking points from this great comic strip: "Amusing Ourselves to Death" by Stuart McMillen, from 2009: http://flycl.ps/SXHdFP

Edit: formatting.