Plain English with Derek Thompson A Grand Unified Theory of Cultural Stagnation
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Nov 25, 2025 
Adam Mastroianni, a psychologist and writer focused on cultural change, joins the discussion about modern cultural stagnation. They explore why contemporary culture seems 'stuck,' from uniform corporate logos to Gen Z's nostalgia for 90s TV. Adam explains how rising wealth and lower risks have fostered a risk-averse society, leading to fewer innovative ideas in music and film. They even connect the decline of serial killers to improved policing. The episode offers insights into how safety and security shape cultural creativity.
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Culture Has Become Convergent
- Modern culture across architecture, film, music, and branding shows a clear pattern of convergence and reduced novelty.
- Adam Mastroianni and Derek Thompson label this broad phenomenon 'culture is stuck' and seek unified explanations.
Teens Are Much Less Risky Than Before
- Survey data shows teenagers engage in far less risky and criminal behavior since the 1990s.
- Adam Mastroianni argues this reflects a rising valuation of life and reduced ambient risks over generations.
Cults And Serial Killings Declined Together
- Cults and serial killings peaked around the 1970s–90s and then sharply declined.
- Adam connects both declines to the same broader fall in adult violent crime and changing social conditions.
