I think most people are just overwhelmed most of the time and just want to live their lives and feel connected. There’s no immediate pain of giving up personal information just a vague threat of some future danger. We’re bad at caring about those types of things, generally speaking, just look at how we are handling climate change.
I tend to agree with the author. He’s not saying we can’t make choices. We do have the ability to make choices. It’s just that our choices are driven by so much history and memories and brain capability/functioning. Outside stimuli is so important. The sage advice from a relative is important. That’s why if you want to fly like an eagle don’t hang out with the turkeys.