The Rise of the Antisocial Century

More individuals are opting for isolation over socializing, a trend that has been intensifying for over 60 years. Derek Thompson references the sociological study 'Bowling Alone' by Robert Putnam, which highlighted a shift from increased social interaction in the early 20th century to a marked decline in the latter half. This decline extended to various aspects of social life, such as marriage and community engagement, leading to stark changes in people's social behaviors. The culmination of these trends has led to significant alterations in personalities, politics, and perceptions of reality, as exemplified by commentaries from experts like former Surgeon General Vivek Murthy, who cites a loneliness epidemic affecting modern society.