In kindergarten we are taught how to be that way. Stand in a line, don't talk, hands out of pockets, fire drill, bells ringing. We are truly controlled by words and bells. The author's view of the future is no longer even close to accurate. With new technology we could hide microphones in the fabric of clothing.
Video cameras are smaller today.
They could be worn about people. Maybe in the future be implanted in them. Orwell's future is dead. The reality is that it could be even worse. Orwell should NOT be discredited, he should be listened to and praised.