The speaker finds it interesting that while people close to us seem to be getting better over time, the general public is perceived to be getting worse. They attribute this to a potential disconnection from community, leading to more strangers being perceived as morally compromised. The speaker suggests that getting to know more people and forming casual acquaintances could change this perception, as Adam's study indicates that knowing people can alter one's perception of their moral character.
A lot of people are plagued by the feeling that society used to be better, that neighbors were more helpful, that strangers once talked to you. Some people channel that belief into political action, as in the Make America Great Again movement. A new study explains why the sense that people and the culture have gotten worse is a psychological illusion. This special episode features Hanna Rosin, the host of Radio Atlantic. Subscribe and find new episodes of Radio Atlantic every Thursday.
If you have any comments or suggestions about the show, submit feedback at theatlantic.com/listener-survey
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices