I also think we underestimate the adverse side of changes we already live with. Would it really have been possible with a president (crypto)-scamming his voters

I also think we underestimate the adverse side of changes we already live with. Would it really have been possible with a president (crypto)-scamming his voters in the 1950s or -60s US, or is that a result of televised media? Read "Amusing ourselves to death" for exemple; written as a criticism of TV-media in the 80s but even more applicable on the short-form content of today. Put Toqueville in a time-machine. Would he really regard the current state of society as something that should be aspired to? Watch a televised primary or presidential debate from mid 20th century and you will be astounded at the quality of argument and focus of the discussion. I think most people severely underestimate how far public discourse has fallen.