I disagree with those who are minimizing @Dutchess_III‘s perspective. She might have given a parody as an example, but the core of her initial question is valid for discussion. Can we lay off telling her that she got taken in by a parody- I think she’s got it.
There ARE studies being done on the decrease of empathy and connectiveness in today’s society in certain areas. Some research has shown an increase in entitlement and a decrease in self-monitoring and civility.
Depending on which study you read there are a few results—such as face-to-face conversations have become awkward, community cohesiveness has decreased, there is a sudden rise in the market for single resident dwellings in every urban area. Problem solving techniques and conversational strategies have changed—whether that’s “better” or “worse” is subjective, but what is objective is- they have changed.
Many things about humans don’t changeā¦ schadenfreude, for one. That goose-neck effect when walking past a disaster or accident. The entertainment of violence (gladiators, lynching, Quentin Tarantino’s films). The fact we’re enthralled or uncomfortably entertained by violence, or that we find it humorous—is a given. But our daily cultural thinking and practices have changed in response to the increase in technology.