What an American writer has seen in China related to AI, U.S. sentiments in the last 13 years

Chinese society exhibits a distinct optimism toward artificial intelligence and digital integration, viewing technology as a tangible, daily convenience rather than a source of surveillance concern. Unlike in the United States, where skepticism toward big tech and data privacy is prevalent, residents in China experience seamless, app-based infrastructure for everything from school check-ins to transportation and medical services. Jacob Dreyer, an American writer based in Shanghai, notes that this acceptance stems from the immediate, concrete improvements technology brings to daily life. Furthermore, the perception of the United States in China has shifted significantly; the U.S. is no longer viewed as the singular model for development. This change is compounded by geopolitical tensions and a growing sense of alienation within the American political system, which has created barriers to international collaboration and left many questioning the future trajectory of the West.