I find 'mandatory' to be a bit of a blurry concept, knowing what we know now about the malleability and susceptibility to various 'mind viruses' that we humans

I find 'mandatory' to be a bit of a blurry concept, knowing what we know now about the malleability and susceptibility to various 'mind viruses' that we humans have. Sure, it's definitely important to acknowledge the difference, but it's also important to realize that we are not rational creatures that use our freedom well when there are all sorts of well-crafted 'hacks' applied to our brains on a constant basis. I think Cyberpunk understandably covers these themes with underline, highlight, and big red circles. Narratively it's easier to exaggerate. But it's really just shades of gray between being forced to take a happy pill, and being told, explicitly or not, by experts, friends and family that you should do so.