The Economist article to which I linked gave multiple metrics that contradict this claim.

> And finding an affordable place to live is impossible in some areas, extremely hard almost everywhere that's desirable to live.

True, and I mentioned that there are exceptions to the overall positive tend and specifically noted housing costs. But the solution to this problem is well known: increased the supply of housing.

> And of course, poverty is relative so seeing the rich get healthcare while you and your own family get sick and die has a huge effect on people that probably isn't captured by any metric I know of.

But that's the thing: the data indicates that the poor aren't becoming worse off. Yet we have the perceptions that it is.

I think understanding why this contradictory perceptions exists lies at the heart of a lot of social chsllenges today. Like why people in the US become so strongly against immigration and free trade despite the strong evidence that these things have a positive effect on the country.