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, which would you choose and why?

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.