De-industrialization was the lynch pin that started all of this. Slowly destroyed the middle class and leaving holes in society(families/communities). More emphasis was put on higher education which widened the gap between classes. Then the internet came in and started filling in the holes that were once consumed by church, family, friends, neighbors, activity, etc and created a new world virtually. Instead of interacting with strangers in the real world they do it online and feel fulfilled not understanding they are contributing to the regression of their society.