Are people getting grouchier and meaner lately or is it me?

Question

I mean all people: at work, in shops, acquaintances ... I've been noticing this for almost a year now. What's going on?

Answer 1

I completely agree.  

I can even see it in myself, my irritability is ridiculous lately.  

I have been responding to the anger in others unfortunately.

The world is becoming so chaotic, and our lives have become so stressful.  People are letting in hopelessness and despair.  People don't seem to believe that they can achieve what they want anymore.  People believe that their happiness is now determined by the wishes of people with more power than they have.

Answer 2

social tensions,  People are so bombarded with all of there newly acquired daily habits.  They've detached themselves from who they are, and haven fallen into the trap that is everyday life in the 21st century.  

Fears, stress, and uncertainty is what drives this grouchy, meaner society,  People with to much to do, and unable to get out of that rut.

Answer 3

In difficult times (such as the Credit Crunch), people become more insular and defend their own corners. It's a normal behaviour from any species under threat.

Answer 4

It seems our problems are getting the better of us, money, work, relationships or lack thereof....sometimes its a struggle to keep your head above water, theres not enough of you to be nice to someone else.

Answer 5

not many of us, because there are still people out there with  GOOD HEARTS.

Answer 6

Yes and no.  When I visit my hometown of Phoenix, I think people are jerks.  But here in Boston people are still nice and do things like hold th edoor for people, allow walkers to cross the street, etc.  I think it depends on the mental mind set of the city as a whole.  Also, many people are suffering financially, so there may some personal hostility that gets taken out on others.  As long as you are a nice person, I say s***w the rest!