It is (not) 1998 & you don't have an N64 & life is as good as it will ever get
I saw the above online and I thought i'd run a thought experiment, point by point, I totally understand that many people, in many parts of the world do not have all the alternatives I list below, but perhaps 1 or 2 of my ways to escape the grift/rat race may be open to even those people.
I don't have a N64, but I do have some other consoles and buying a fairly capable not much used gaming PC to play amazing games through steam is not hard. Even if couch co-op has become rare! Which I lament. How often to 3 friends come over just to chill and "play" some game or such. I know we are not teenagers anymore, but still, it should happen more. In my case, with D&D, it happens about every 3 weeks and if I so chose, it could be more.
Pizza, plenty of good places close by. I do agree the up-charges for delivery have become ridiculous and insufferable.
Rent is horrible in most cities worth living in. I have have been fairly lucky and creative and am not in worst situation when it comes to housing at all, fairly good. But I know most (younger) people struggle, and that is messed up!
Work, same as above. I am good, but if I ever lose this job, who knows!
I do not have a car, and I do not intend to get any, any time soon, possible not ever. In many EU cities this is perfectly viable, in US,.. not likely.
I essentially never use(d) AI prompts nor made a profile. As for other AI use, as little as possible. I don't want to start. Even if it takes work to not see AI results at tops of browsers and searches.
Printer, I have never had a Printer with a subscription, I am wary of anything that needlessly connect to the internet. BROTHER laser printers have done great by me for a very long time now. Affordable. Available in all countries.
I've not owned an electric toothbrush, it would probably be better if I had one, if ever I get one, certainly won't have wifi nor bluetooth. Those are sold everywhere.
TV, I have a fairly cheap not huge one, I don't use it's menu, Tiny PC with a 25€ tiny keyboard with trackpad, runs all the media for me that I want to display on the TV. Anyone could do this.
Self check out, is not mandatory in EU supermarkets yet and seems to work ok.
Abortion is still a right in much of Europe, even if I hear concerning things from Ireland. Flock camera's are not in this continent to my knowledge and due to the laws, likely will not be.
Medical costs are rising but generally still reasonable.
I download my music or use PipePipe to play anything on Youtube. All for free. This is available to anyone, anywhere.
Never seen delivery robots here yet. You can buy a more private phone, even if it is not as easy as it should be. Can even buy a "dumb" phone, but it does have some downsides of course.