Why? It seems true for some of the decent definitions of "material standard of living" although certainly not all. What they really lack (relatively) is social power, kinship tie quality, and many other more important things than internet access, smart phones, and technology (all of which may correlate with depression.

Like what? Being able to eat a big mac? That's a stretch by nearly any definition.

Just for reference, 10ka means pre-agricultural Stone Age, ie, tiny hunter-gatherer communities living in small huts.

haha same here...i even said that to myself as i was hitting the back button.