I think his argument is valid, just as yours is.

You're right it's not only the US. But he's also right that phones are not the only reason / common denominator. Basically every country has a rigged economy and a two class justice system - some more, some less. But the ruling class secured their privileges everywhere. Our planet's doom looming over the horizon is also a global phenomenon.

What unrestricted access to the internet is doing: it's making everyone much more aware of those things, their global scale. Everyone gets a feeling of how bad it is because there seems to be no greener pasture anymore.