I don't know where you lived, but none of the people I know, Engineers and programmers think that they should be reading non fiction instead of playing video games.
Worth noting, playing video games has also been monetized.
We tend to view money as "dirty", when in reality, it is just value. America seems to be more aware of that.
For example, if you are writing a book, of course you want it to be a best seller and make tons of money. With that money you will be able to live a comfortable life so that you can write your next book in the best conditions.
You have kids? Yes, staying with your kids is important but so is making money. More money means better food, better education, more exciting and varied activities, etc...
Feeling generous? Earn more money so that you can support more charities, pay over market price for more ethical products...
Maybe it is a little too strong in the US but the money-first filter, as long as it is not absolute is simple and effective.
Reading a book? It better be nonfiction, because fiction “isn’t real” and won’t help you get ahead. Writing a book? It’s only a success if it’s a best-seller. Studying a new language? Only worth it if you can monetize it somehow. Hate your job? Not a problem if your salary is high enough.
This baseline mentality underlies everything and injects a market in to places where it doesn’t belong. Europe certainly has its own issues, but at the very least it allows for the possibility that life isn’t primarily a series of financial decisions.