To add a bit of context for those not too well versed in Eastern European history (from someone with a Croatian background): Back in the real-sozialist/communist era, the people didn't have much rights (especially not those that were against the dictators), but in exchange at least the government took somewhat of a care of providing everyone with a life worth living (notable exception: the remote areas of Russia that have historically served only as a supply for young men to grind in Russian wars) - it's not unlike the societal reality currently in China. The nation blocks, either the Soviet Union or the "non aligned movement", supported each other and distributed workload to make sure everyone (both in terms of nations as well as people) could make a living - even if that was often far less efficient than Western countries, because the Communist nations prioritized jobs for their people over having machines do these jobs.
Then, Communism fell... corrupt entities took over many of the countries, only looking to enrich themselves, and as the international solidarity system failed against "cheaper" products there was no hope to keep the often horribly outdated factories alive, and at the same time Western societies hungry for more labor force (and way more attractive currencies) began to "brain drain" the former Communist countries.
Today, the people may have rights on paper, but in practice they're worthless (either due to corruption or because the state is too poor), and society is crumbling apart from decades of looting and corrupt elites on one side and young generations moving abroad because they can't see any way that their country escapes the death spiral. Many people struggle with survival every day. So yes, in conclusion it's warranted to say that the fall of Communism led to a massive drop in quality of life.
TikTok and the "gangsta" life style are just the cherries on the cake.
Then, Communism fell... corrupt entities took over many of the countries, only looking to enrich themselves, and as the international solidarity system failed against "cheaper" products there was no hope to keep the often horribly outdated factories alive, and at the same time Western societies hungry for more labor force (and way more attractive currencies) began to "brain drain" the former Communist countries.
Today, the people may have rights on paper, but in practice they're worthless (either due to corruption or because the state is too poor), and society is crumbling apart from decades of looting and corrupt elites on one side and young generations moving abroad because they can't see any way that their country escapes the death spiral. Many people struggle with survival every day. So yes, in conclusion it's warranted to say that the fall of Communism led to a massive drop in quality of life.
TikTok and the "gangsta" life style are just the cherries on the cake.