Suicide rates are generally higher now, signaling a general dissatisfaction and hopelessness in life.

Sure living standard is higher (but with more inequality), most fields are more advanced now, but what's the true purpose if people feel more depressed and inclined to kill themselves?

That’s an important metric for sure, but should we ignore the massive decreases in infant mortality or deaths from hunger, disease, or war?

How did you determine it was generally higher because it appears to be lower in much of Eastern Europe, Asia and Africa?

This is a pretty first world-centric perspective. There are slightly higher rates of dissatisfaction and hopelessness but quality of life is drastically improving in the second and third world. More efficient production results in better and more stuff even if the stuff isn't distributed perfectly.

I just keep thinking how terrifying the pandemic would be without the Internet for information, entertainment and connection with friends. We are insanely lucky and we do not take time to appreciate it.