"In recent months Chinese regulators have taken steps to exert more control over tech companies." This is a big concern for American Tech companies that have to succumb to the powers of china. If Google doesnt move into china and comply with their censorship techniques, china will just copy google and put them out of business. So chinese policy has a large effect on the U.S.

"The State Council has signaled that under the national social credit system people will be penalized for the crime of spreading online rumors, among other offenses, and that those deemed “seriously untrustworthy” can expect to receive substandard services." This is going to create a world that can be easily take advantage of to discourage certain people or groups to become obsolete and irrelevant in public discussion. It'll seclude people more than ever.

"Ant Financial wasn’t the only entity keen on using data to measure people’s worth." This reminds of the black mirror epsidoe in which people were ranked socially by there interactions with people. Which in my opinion is very unhealthy and creates an even more unhealthy society.

From personal experience receiving harsh news via text message or phone call can be even worse than a social interaction. Depending on the news it is good to be in an environment in which you feel safe.