This has been going on for a long time. Slowly. There is an event that justifies a change (where we sacrifice civil liberties for the "greater good"). 9-11 - We let airports have their way with us in the name of safety. Covid-19 - we weren't allowed to leave the house without documentation. Those are just 2 examples from our lifetime. Mass media is great at manipulating the easily coerced section of the population (which seems to be the majority). Democracy is rule of the majority (easily coerced). Therefore, we live in a world where those that control the media, control the majority who then vote to allow more madness.

Is it a good thing? That depends on who you ask. Many people feel great protected by the government from terrorists, or rampant virus' or drugs... I feel it is an intentional erosion of our rights until we don't have any. Many of these events may not be planned (but are likely planned for)... and are certainly used to erode human rights.