In the last decade, a series of events and circumstances seem to have affected human psychology, turning people more towards themselves and reducing the emphasis on the collective good and the concept of family. This change is frequently linked to a decrease in confidence in societal institutions, a feeling of disillusionment with authority systems, and swift transformations in daily routines.

The 2008 global financial crisis significantly contributed to a climate characterized by uncertainty and insecurity. Millions of individuals faced unemployment, financial instability, and a widespread lack of faith in banking and political institutions. For many, this crisis was a powerful "blow" to confidence, as promises of stability and prosperity seemed to be crumbling. People felt betrayed by structures they thought were secure, and the focus shifted to their own personal survival and well-being.

Social networks, although they started with the promise of connectivity, eventually provided a platform for excessive ego projection. People now have the ability to create a curated, "perfect" version of themselves, but one that reinforces comparison and a sense of loneliness. Too much emphasis on the individual, how one presents oneself and what one accomplishes alone, fuels introversion and detachment from the social core, while constant connection through digital devices increases loneliness.

The COVID-19 pandemic reinforced isolation in an unprecedented way. Travel restrictions, social distance and the need for individual protection confronted people with loneliness to an unprecedented degree. The social system, health systems, and even the connection to friends and family were challenged. People were forced to adapt to a new reality in which the individual good takes precedence over the collective.

Natural disasters, the ever-worsening climate crisis, and a sense of an uncertain future have created a sense of anxiety and uncertainty. As changes are often large and difficult to control, people often choose to focus on their personal achievements and immediate well-being rather than on collective actions that may challenge their stability.

The social movements and political crises of the last decade, such as rights protests, the rise of "extreme" voices, and a sense of disconnection from the political leadership have reinforced citizens' frustration. As a result, people are withdrawing, becoming more suspicious and pursuing their own personal well-being, reducing participation in collective action.

The shift from the collective to the individual is a product of complex social, economic and psychological factors that have affected the sense of stability and trust in modern man. Individuality, sometimes subconsciously, appears as a defence mechanism in a world of uncertainty and frustration. However, a return to collectivity and a revival of human connection are critical steps in relieving anxiety and restoring trust...in the whole and in the self.