More concerning still is the prospect of an invisible system, still imposing itself on people though not known to at least most of them.
In the Western world the increasing prevalence of social media has a strong controlling effect regardless of a lack of an overt rating system. As more an more interaction is mediated by platforms such as facebook it alters the form that interaction must take. This applies to mediation by technology as a whole, the more we use mediation by technology as a means of communicating the less we're exercising communication by unincorporated elements, body language, spacial factors, arguably telepathic factors etc.
Technological mediation also reaches beyond the interactions being mediated. Even by simply being poked on facebook back when that was a thing and then discussing it with the person the next day, the platforms reach goes beyond its literal boundaries. As facebook mediates more and more (as is its evident intent, they prioritise engagement) it will further shape interaction beyond the platform in spite of a lack of consideration for this aspect in its design. It's worrying how quickly new technologies become widespread due to the severe lack of feedback that can be delivered over short timespans. Though feedback on technical issues etc is also quicker now, processing of social issues remains at a speed mismatched to this.
Of course the situation in China is currently more severe, but a global paradigm towards subversive control also exists I feel as the sanctities of centralized power structures are losing credibility in the information age.
Great Point! I have had several friends that while applying for a job with state or local government they shut down or limit their social media. I have heard many stories of persons being fired or denied a job only because of FB/social media. AND a few times during an interview the interviewer will ask to see the interviewee's FB page. I have had online prospects ask me for my FB as a type of resume. THIS IS INSANE! It is sad that China is doing this with such an organized effort but I STRONGLY suggest we already do it in the home of the Brave, just not in such a formal manner.
Systems of control are nothing new, yes - they are simply changing form as the beings who seek control and the beings who they seek to control also change form and adapt to change. I agree about the insertion of technology being a problem in many ways - however, to some extent technology is able to be used for helpful or destructive purposes. While we would probably be aware of our telempathic abilities more without technology getting in the way, the technology does still provide a focal point for consciousness to use as a reference when communicating with others. If we are conscious to attune to our non physical connection with each other then technology doesn't need to exactly be a barrier to telempathy, rather it is just another form of communication. I would like to see much more attention given to development of telempathic connection though, certainly - but 'there's no money in that' - or at least not for sony, motorola and siemens.