One of my hot takes is that as a society, the U.S. is becoming more collectivist. I don’t like being one of those libertarian types, shaking their fist at minute programs that feed hungry children, but I think (given this data) you can correlate “cancel culture” social dynamics, increased social spending and increased loneliness stats.

I don’t think there’s anything inherently wrong with being collectivists, but more individualistic societies are going to be more dynamic and innovative. I also don’t want to live in a society where I have to choose to be a “woke SJW” or a Catholic integralist. IMO the fact that those seem to be our main choices may be why we feel more lonely/less likely to socialize!