my thoughts about the world rn

the other day, I was ranting to a friend about this. and i had realised that our generation Z is not as progressive as we had all assumed in 2020. it really felt like i was being raised in an increasingly more acceptive society, with less and less discrimination. obviously, there was a long way to go, of course- but it felt like things were heading for the better.

particularly in 2020, where quarantine left us no choice but to experiment with personal style and watch others do the same online. as 'cringe' everything was back then, I'll confidently say that people were much more kinder back then. even in the face of the pandemic, it felt like people embraced others wholeheartedly. arguably we were the most united that we had been in a while. people embraced diversity and individuality. consequently, even more people were not afraid to be unique and have fun! 

but fast forward to 2025, i really don't know what's happened but it feels like we've done a nosedive. anyone 'different' is made fun of, and I've just been seeing a rise in blatant racism, homophobia, misogyny, etc...

on top of that, people just seem more meaner... i have never seen people have less empathy to strangers online. and i'm not sure if this is only an issue online, but i feel like it originally was an online thing (the lack of empathy and compassion), that is slowly seeping into real life.

dont get me wrong - the world was never just sunshine and rainbows, but i dont remember everyone being so harsh.

I think the internet has reduced (if not, destroyed) some people's ability to feel compassion for others. maybe because the gravity of a situation is lessened when it is only observable from a screen. or maybe its simply easier to spew hate when you have the protection of an online barrier.

and im not trying to say im innocent, either... i did find myself being  increasingly 'mean'. maybe not to the extent ive seen online, but yeah.

i also think its partly because of how dire living situations are. people are desperate and trying to survive. after covid, the economy was struck. hard. and while it doesnt excuse the hostility from others, i can see why theres been an increase. 

anyways, these are just my thoughts over the last few months. its just upsetting to see our generation turn into a breeding ground of hatred. hope it gets better ...