I think you are looking for Human Development Index (HDI). GDP is correlated with standard of living, yes, for obvious reasons. But it is HDI that defines social progress. No serious index will confuse GDP with standard of living. They are two different things.

There's a clear correlation, of course, but not a conflation. You can see here - https://sites.google.com/site/csifinalprojecthappiness3/gdp-vs-hdi

I'd appreciate it if you modify your post to reflect this fact. :)

I agree with your perspective on Steemit though.