Well manipulation is indeed happening, that was my starting premise. People are been given limited choices. The difference is that instead of a benign selfless manipulator working for the common good, we have group of self serving interests doing the manipulation. In essence the mob is being used as a tool to serve the interests of the select few. The enlightenment happening is in my opinion a false awakening.
Just for a moment consider - one of greatest use of information in current times to bring change was in case of Arab spring. Removing corrupt dictators to achieve a true democracy, look where we are - Dictators were removed and what is left is chaos and ashes. Look at Egypt..I am sure Sisi is the embodiment is exactly what people wanted they removed Mobarak.
The sad fact is that our society needs fodder, the exploitable masses who will do what they are told, who will slave with no expectations, who will do the mundane tasks - be our cooks, maids, farmers, janitors etc. In a truly enlightened society every one will strive for the highest possible stature and standard of living. Have you considered the implications of 7 Billion folks living like Scandinavians? Our earth simply cannot sustain.