(And given modern 'society' of mind-fucking technology undreamt-of by previous Robber Barons)

One + Many Could: create New Rules Which face head-on the omnipresence of mind-numbing pitches 24/7 (??)
But then.. This society cannot even rid itself of a certifiable-moron, busily/daily in removing as many facets of self-governance as once made the place at least 'livable' within its many flaws.

So you both may be "right": just passively ... Give Up; its a lot less trouble.

(I'm biased on this particular topic though:)
screw all the bread & circuses intended as mass distractions and designed mainly to create high incomes for the Distractor-class. The topic is decidedly oxy-moronish where so little matter is made of there even someday becoming.. a 'society' ... just perpetual internecine warfare amidst intransigent Tribes-of-strangers (themselves!) ... is ~all I ever see inside this Depublic.

---

Carrion.

E Pluribus Unum ..?.. my. ass. Y'know?