That is, we know a great deal about how to mess with genes and get them to do strange things, we are not always successful at getting them to do just what we wanted. The side effects are often, well, extraordinary. More spiritually based abilities don't seem possible, despite the claims of some fringe religious groups. Poverty still exists, of course, and the gap between the rich and poor defies even late twentieth century standards, but there is a large and vibrant consumer class. However, individual nations are powerless to affect global policy, and operate within a tight set of restraints by the megacorps.
Video remains the primary source of media.
It is delivered on a vast broadband information network. Full sensory sensetaps are also available, but only for specialized titles. PDA's are common, and always logged into the network. People can no longer meaningfully distinguish their online life from their meatspace life. If dissent exists, it is not visible.