In the last decade, a number 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 shift is often associated with a loss of trust in social structures, a sense of betrayal by systems of power, and rapid changes in everyday life.

The global financial crisis of 2008 was one of the main factors that fuelled a climate of uncertainty and insecurity. Millions of people experienced job losses, financial insecurity and a general mistrust of banking and political systems. For many, the crisis was a powerful "blow" to confidence as promises of stability and prosperity seemed to crumble. 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 began with the promise of connectivity, ended up providing 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 achieves alone, fuels introversion and detachment from the social core, while constant connectivity through digital devices increases loneliness.

The COVID-19 pandemic increased isolation in unprecedented ways. Travel restrictions, social distance and the need for individual protection confronted people with loneliness on an unprecedented scale. Social systems, 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 took precedence over the collective.

Natural disasters, the worsening climate crisis and a sense of an uncertain future have created a sense of anxiety and insecurity. 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 political leadership, have exacerbated citizens' frustration. As a result, people are withdrawing, becoming more distrustful 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 modern man's sense of stability and trust. Individuality appears, sometimes unconsciously, 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 reducing anxiety and restoring trust... in the whole and in the self.