The problem with this juxtaposition is that it leads one down the path of thinking each topic is a mutually exclusive all-or-nothing affair. From the perspective of an upper middle class software developer who is paid six figures to create cutely-named CRUD websites and reload Hacker News, it certainly feels like we're primarily victims of distraction. From the perspective of someone else who isn't an economic sure-bet and can't simply throw money at problems, the ever-invasive systems of control they run into are much more non-voluntary and absolute.

I'm certainly not arguing that the world should be viewed solely through the eyes of the lowest classes - I think this can result in focusing on zero-sum solutions that invariably invite more tentacles of control into our everyday lives. But looking at such perspectives is a good way to get over the initial "soft controls" and see that there definitely is a system of "hard controls" backing them up.