I have a running theory that symptoms like this have a lot to account for the complete decline of critical thinking and common sense. Like everything seems to have gone way downhill ever since COVID.

[–] daniskarma@lemmy.dbzer0.com 36 points 5 days ago (3 children)

My running theory is that during covid they imposed restrictions, and no body respected them.

People who didn't care about restrictions figured out that they could do whatever they want without consequences.

People who respected restrictions witness first hand who a big chunk of the population was completely selfish, irresponsible, and faced no consequences for it.

That broke the social contract. Society is broken since, we just don't trust each other or the system anymore.

[–] TheColonel@reddthat.com 19 points 5 days ago

That broke the social contract. Society is broken since, we just don't trust each other or the system anymore.

I also think that this is due (at least in the US) to who we reelected and how it feels like you’re getting screwed everywhere you turn.

If only grifters are winning? Why the hell should I be decent anymore? Nobody cares!

I don’t personally abide by this nor do I agree that it’s the right attitude but it does seem to be the way a lot of folks are acting.

[–] OrteilGenou@lemmy.world 2 points 4 days ago

That's an interesting theory. I am still curious to see if any long term effects are encountered from very young kids not seeing people's faces, by and large, for about two years or so. There was a lot of talk about that, just not sure if it will amount to anything noteworthy

[–] architect@thelemmy.club 1 points 5 days ago

Yep

[–] halfeatenpotato@sh.itjust.works 22 points 6 days ago

The thing is I think social media and the rise of "AI" has also had a major impact. Quarantine led people to being online waaay more.

[–] einfach_orangensaft@sh.itjust.works 8 points 5 days ago

no no it all started with this damn gorilla

[–] jj4211@lemmy.world 4 points 5 days ago

We had a lot of weird all at once.

Lots of death and isolation. Economy all screwed up with a flood of cash to try to keep things level. Trump's sore loser behavior validated just the worst behavior (it is always there, but usually leaders moderates it when it rears its ugly head, Trump fanned the flames instead). Putin continued his aggression against Ukraine, except this time Ukraine held its ground.

Every big event didn't require COVID, just a bunch of long burning issues bubbling up at once.

[–] SaharaMaleikuhm@feddit.org 6 points 5 days ago

I mean pair that with the lead-poisoning of the boomers this could explain a lot. Or not.

[–] p03locke@lemmy.dbzer0.com -5 points 5 days ago (1 children)

Pretty ironic posting your anecdotal "theory" in a science forum.

[–] Asidonhopo@lemmy.world 11 points 5 days ago

Sounds like more of a hypothesis, this poster needs to develop a testing methodology and report back!