I must expound upon the state of society and the trajectory it presently pursues.

[putnam6]

I have to agree with much said here so far, and would point towards many reasons for the frustration.

A wish to have an answer that fits a question for a feeling of satisfaction rather than have a personal thought process to verify that the answer is a good one or the best one on an individual level is often substituted for knee-jerk reactions. The buck seems to stop once the space is filled but it is the feelings that will determine it.
Apathy and Simping are the norm these days because few seem to have strong opinions from their own minds worth anything, afraid of scrutiny perhaps for fear of ridicule. Unfortunately a need to be provided not only with an answer from an outside source but to presume the space in the mind must also be afforded. How many times do we answer a question to immediately be greeted with "eh"? or "what"?
This seems to be how people choose to operate due to main stream media, the evolution of hollywood movies and the evolution of the internet providing "truth" at the touch of a button.

I have to admit, I sometimes watch quick clip videos but also spend hours watching documentaries, so the contrast satisfies my wishes for the quick glance of the crazy reality of the world but also the nitty-gritty of the big "WHY"?

As for reading, I grew up reading reference books and catalogues. I was fascinated with the real world and only did fantasy in my own imagination or having fun with friends. The reading gave me an incredible sense not only of value, but what the world around me consisted of. It has done me a good favour in the long run and prevented me from a world of "whatever" or one where I need so much "stuff". Understanding Value is a fine asset to possess.

Regarding mobile phones, it has removed imo a sense of responsibility for human connection and communication and the thumb text speak has such a disconnection from the recipient that people actually struggle to use a voice beyond connecting for attention or to satisfy demands. So many times I have answered the telephone to someone saying "hello" and then there is silence as if the whole purpose of the call was to get a hook in for some free energy with little to offer themselves. Intelligent conversation is dying. Even emails can be frustrating with no consideration for grammar, context or sharing.

The Zombie Apocalype is well and truly here me thinks. We just have to keep TALKING with a voice, good writing, consideration and thoughtfulness, or those times will make future times impossible for HUMANS.

Divide and conquer eh?

Thats so ironic I read all kinds of books but I have a special fondness for the reference section,I was reading The Book of Lists as a kid and The Straight Dope as a young adult. 

I agree on communication and even more so on communicating across all demographic subsets. Its also ironic you mention people now stuck with thier noses in thier phone. I guess it depends on what you say, there's something about a text or email, where you can read it verbatim over and over most times there is no ambiguity and the point is made loud and clear. Some of my most productive talks with my daughters and stepdaughters over the years were texts. Was talking with my youngest, she said my texts were usually excellent because they removed the emotion and chaos that sometimes verbal communication has. 

On the worldly stage
Ultimately we had better accept differences and try and find commonalities and effective ways to communicate, so tired of the divisiveness.