To feel despondent about societal selfishness?

[Gobbledygook123]

So I actually don’t think this is a specific generation thing it just seems to have been the last couple of years (although younger generations have obviously been brought up in a more screen heavy selfish world so it’s perhaps more engrained in our kids?)

Is it me or is everyone just so much more selfish?

In the last week I have seen so many examples of this. Just small and insignificant in the grand scheme of things but it just seems constant.

The vandalism around the country that I doubt they’ll realise will be eventually cleared up via those funds they’re complaining are limited is just one example. Other things have included parking inconsiderately, time off work for no reason, just general rudeness, poor parenting/entitled parenting. Interestingly all different ages and when questioned (not necessarily by myself) they’ve given reasons that would have just been laughed at by our grandparents generation but why are we now so scared to challenge.

People don’t seem to be able to debate a point. Try and ask someone why they think something or feel entitled to/or do something and they’re instantly defensive (obviously worded differently). Although the amount that just say because I want to despite them acknowledging how it may affect others or if they should even if they ‘can get away with it’

Yeah everyone is just out for themselves now and doesn't care what anyone else thinks.

I think it's a by product of social media and Facebook in particular. People have got so used to saying and doing what they want on Facebook they've just transferred that into the real world. They're not bothered about being called out on bad behaviour, they'll just tell you to fuck off like they would online. Nobody is bothered about being a dickhead anymore

It's not just the past couple of years it's just that people aren't ashamed and don't hide it any more.

People are totally unashamed to live off benefits too. No effort made to live by their own means when there’s ‘free’ money to be had.

I agree with you OP. I'm noticing it more and more. Examples: litter, dog shit, anti-social parking, grafitti. I'm really interested to know what goes on in someone's head when they drop litter in the street, decide to leave their dog's shit in the middle of the pavement, block pavements with their car, or vandalise property gratuitously. So selfish, and make me so sad.

I agree with you.

Well I can actually answer that one because I asked and honestly it’s just made me even more confused!
• Why not just take it back and put it in a bin when home/you see one?
• Can’t be arsed, that’s what road sweepers are paid for. (All said with jokey smile)

I don't think people are intrinsically more selfish: there have been selfish and selfless people through the ages.

I do think, though, that people are more "atomised" and cut off from others than they were 20 years ago. We're less connected to others, partly due to demographics and politics, partly because social media emphasises our differences, and there's an epidemic of loneliness and social anxiety. You see this on Mumsnet all the time manifesting in various ways such as the "I don't need friends" syndrome and the extreme COVID-avoiders who never leave the house.

So people who are naturally selfish have fewer restraints put on them by society. If you want to avoid all other people and just think about yourself these days you can basically let rip without thinking about the consequences, which wasn't the case when I was young.

I think its a huge problem for our society and is probably linked to the incredibly toxic political environment we live in.

If a man like Boris Johnson can hold the highest position of power in the country then why should we all aim to be better? That period has a lot to answer for

Once upon a time, a yone with a problem was told 'its your fault and fir you to sort out'. Some did successfully and grew stronger from it. Others however became totally overwhelmed by yheir inability to sort it out without support and became much worse. It wasn't good.

Nowadays, when someone has a problem, they are told 'poor you, you know its not your fault, you need X, Y or Z to sort it for you'. X,Y and Z don't have the resources to help as the number coming to them to sort out their problems is unmanageable. They become despondent and even more vulnerable. They survive by conforting themselves that's its not their fault and blaming the world for how they are and feel.

An example: you were obese in 1980, you got teased, told you needed to lose weight and that was that. If you didn't, you were left to feel awful about not being able to lose it.

Nowadays, if you are obese, it's not your fault. It's the fault of advertising, the media, the supermarkets, the government. None of them are making thi gs better so people remain obese.

Plus the fact that all the undesirable things that I guess would have been shunned are now rightly or wrongly deemed acceptable?

Obesity, behavioural issues, mental health issues, antisocial behaviour, extremist politics etc

YANBU. I thought the pandemic would make a kinder world, but it seems to be the complete opposite. The sense of entitlement is astounding - it's all me, me me.

I actually feel for the next generation . I’ve seen the rise in selfishness and anti social behaviour , no care for self or community and wonder where it will end . Society functions on boundaries , contributions and laws . When those are gone , and it’s heading that way , the next generation will be living in a lawless distopia .