The human psyche is best suited to small town living. Large cities are slave camps. 

The Matrix is losing power in many areas. Electrical power failures are the first signs. Massive currency devaluation followed by full shutdowns. It's seen many times in History. And will increase now as people wake up. The illusion is over. 

Most were destroyed during The Invasion. 

The Matrix is not The Astral. Yet they are linked like the hands on a puppet string. There are many puppet shows. There are many puppeteers. There are puppets and there are props and NPCs. Remember who you are in The Astral.