In the story there are two different world views represented: those who are “inside the circle” (like Mae) and those who are “outside the circle” like Mercer. If you had to choose one of these ways of life,

I can't really speak for you on this question. I would prefer to be outside of the circle. Eggers is not shy with the main theme behind his technological satire: modernization comes at a high price. The fates of many of the novel's important supporting characters demonstrate this theme. Mae's demonstration of a technology supposedly harnessing social media's prevalence for public good drives her ex-boyfriend Mercer to suicide. A technology meant to help one connect with one's ancestors leads Annie to a nervous breakdown.