While we're all playing armchair sociologist-cum-psychologist, I'd say IMHO it boils down to the lack of a compelling future. Which is to say there's a general disillusionment with the state of humanity (as far as values, realizing our full potential, whatever that means, etc.) I'm not saying it's an accurate belief, but that doesn't make it less real to those who subscribe to it. It might explain why rich kids are even more depressed than poor ones. If you're already rich and you hate life, it's harder to dream about a better life. You're "supposed" to be happy already.
I "blame" the sudden rise of social media and western society reorienting itself to highly addictive dopamine-hit loops. Before that, the end of the Fairness Doctrine and the subsequent weaponization of mass media. All without an accompanying evolution of cultural, social, moral norms (!= rules) to aid navigation in this brave new world.
I "blame" the sudden rise of social media and western society reorienting itself to highly addictive dopamine-hit loops. Before that, the end of the Fairness Doctrine and the subsequent weaponization of mass media. All without an accompanying evolution of cultural, social, moral norms (!= rules) to aid navigation in this brave new world.