Critics question technological progress as they though it would lead to worse weapons of war.
This depends for example on where the individuals live and for example in many countries of Western Europe people might be relatively well informaed of their rights
But generally I believe people are not too empowered because:
1) they don't challenge unfavorable work contracts
2) they don't take sick leave even if they can
3) they don't challenge their supervisors out of fear of loosing a job
4) they rarely seek justice in court
5) they might not be aware of their right to sick leave for example
