A World on Edge: Why Hostility Is Becoming the Norm

An eye for an eye will only make the whole world blind

— Mahatma Gandhi 

I have stopped watching live television, reading forwarded WhatsApp messages, and engaging in unnecessary debates on social media platforms for a very long time. This decision has provided much-needed relief to my mind. Now, I have more time to devote to activities that truly interest me, such as authoring articles, poetry, and podcasts, apart from my professional engagements. A few days ago, over breakfast, I mentioned to Bharti, my spouse that I sense an overall higher level of hostility in all spheres of life across the globe. She agreed with me. Intrigued by this observation, I decided to dig deeper into the matter, which led to the creation of this blog post. 

Despite the advancements in technology, communication, and global connectivity, hostility seems to be creeping into every aspect of life. Whether in society, personal relationships, workplaces, international affairs, or even daily interactions, a rising sense of aggression and self-centered behavior dominates our world. What is fueling this increasing friction? Why have sarcasm, extremism, and selfish attitudes replaced kindness and understanding? More importantly, can we reverse the trend? I am not suggesting that virtues like kindness, love, cooperation, and respect have vanished. They do exist and will always exist, but the predominant environment feels hostile and toxic.

Modern society is more divided than ever. People no longer engage in open discussions but instead engage in arguments where winning is more important than understanding. The rise of social media has fuelled this trend, allowing individuals to hide behind screens while spreading anger, misinformation, and judgment. Extreme opinions dominate conversations, pushing out those who advocate for balance and mutual understanding. Instead of constructive debates, people resort to insults, sarcasm, and hostility, dismissing opposing views without even considering them. This leads to widespread intolerance—where differences are no longer celebrated but condemned. Discrimination, crime, and economic inequality further deepen societal fractures. The rich grow richer, the poor struggle, and communities become alienated from one another. Nationalistic pride often turns into exclusion, making some groups feel unwelcome. As a result, individuals retreat into their own circles, avoiding engagement with those who do not think like them. The idea of unity feels more like a distant dream. There’s growing distrust in governments and institutions. People feel betrayed or unheard, leading to resentment and rebellion against systems or each other. It is quite common worldwide for people to settle within their own communities to avoid hostilities in a fractured society.

Individualism can be healthy, but what happens when it turns into selfishness? Majority people today prioritize their own success, comfort, and opinions above all else. Rather than collaborating, they compete. Rather than listening, they dictate. The desire to "win" drives people to disregard the needs of others, creating a culture of self-absorption. In personal relationships, this manifests as emotional neglect. Friendships and families suffer when people focus too much on their own interests rather than on mutual support. Acts of kindness are becoming rare as generosity gives way to self-preservation. In the workplace, cutthroat competition replaces teamwork. Employees focus on climbing the corporate ladder rather than ensuring that their colleagues succeed alongside them. Management decisions often prioritize profit over the well-being of workers, creating environments where stress, burnout, and resentment thrive. Even in global affairs, countries make decisions based on self-interest rather than mutual benefit. Wealthy nations exploit poorer ones, large corporations manipulate markets, and governments prioritize power over the well-being of their citizens. This increasing self-centeredness contributes to hostility, making relationships—whether personal or global—more difficult to sustain.

Language is powerful—it can either heal or hurt. Unfortunately, in today's world, communication is becoming increasingly toxic. Sarcasm, mockery, abusive and offensive language have replaced respectful conversation. Online platforms, once spaces for dialogue, have turned into battlegrounds where people insult, ridicule, and attack one another over the slightest disagreements. Instead of discussions, we see wars of words, where personal attacks overshadow logic and reason. Even in casual conversations, sarcasm often becomes a substitute for genuine interaction. While humor is important, excessive sarcasm can create an environment where sincerity is lost. People stop expressing their true thoughts and feelings, fearing judgment or mockery. Political speeches, media reports, and even entertainment platforms contribute to this trend. Extremist views are encouraged, offensive language is normalized, and aggressive behaviour is glorified. Hate speeches goes unpunished. Over time, people become desensitized to hostility, accepting it as a normal part of communication.

The workplace should be a space for growth, collaboration, and mutual respect. Yet increasingly they have become a breeding ground for stress, competition, and unethical practices. Many employees feel undervalued, pressured, or mistreated in their jobs. Instead of cooperation, workplaces often foster rivalry, where employees feel compelled to outshine others rather than work together for collective success. Toxic office politics, manipulation, and favoritism create hostile work environments. Bosses prioritize results over well-being, pushing employees into burnout. Colleagues engage in passive-aggressive behaviours, making daily interactions uncomfortable. Respect and teamwork, once the foundation of professional culture, are often overshadowed by selfish ambition. This situation becomes even more grave considering the increasing trend of high unemployment in most economies. This hostility in professional circles spills into personal lives, affecting mental health and relationships outside of work. When people feel drained by their jobs, they carry that negativity into their interactions with family and friends, spreading hostility further. That being said, there are many organizations that prioritize and give significant importance to work-life balance.

On a global scale, hostility is more apparent than ever. Nations engage in trade wars, territorial disputes, and diplomatic conflicts rather than fostering cooperation. Nobody can deny about the protection of national interests by the countries, but economic competition often leads to exploitation. Powerful countries control resources and dictate global markets, often ignoring the struggles of developing nations. Trade agreements are driven by self-interest, leaving weaker economies vulnerable. Meanwhile, border tensions and political rivalries escalate into armed conflicts. Instead of negotiation, force is used to establish dominance. Terrorism, extremism, and military aggression create instability, making peace seem unattainable. Rather they have become the instruments of their country’s strategic priorities. Even climate change efforts, which should unite the world, are hindered by national interests. Countries argue over responsibility rather than working together to find solutions, fully aware that the impact will be felt by everyone on Earth. The result is a fractured world where hostility dictates decisions rather than unity. Each such action and piece of news keeps our minds agitated.

Extremism is on the rise, fuelled by rigid beliefs and an unwillingness to compromise. Whether political, religious, or social, extreme ideologies dominate discussions. Racism & Religious intolerance is at alarming level in many countries.  People associate only with those who share their views, avoiding exposure to differing perspectives. This mentality fosters hostility. Those with moderate views struggle to make their voices heard in a world where extremes dominate. Violence, radical movements, and intolerance become the preferred tools for change rather than dialogue. Online spaces amplify this trend, encouraging extremism through misinformation and manipulation. Instead of education, propaganda drives discussions, making it difficult to distinguish truth from bias.

The erosion of serious reading habits and the unchecked spread of fabricated social media narratives have deeply impacted the way people engage with knowledge and differing perspectives. Rather than thoughtfully exploring diverse beliefs, many cling to rigid ideologies, dismissing—or even attacking—those with contrasting religious or cultural viewpoints. This growing intolerance breeds division and resentment, further distancing communities from one another. Simultaneously, the decline of deep reading and critical thinking has left many susceptible to misinformation. Instead of seeking knowledge from credible sources, people increasingly rely on manipulated social media posts that distort reality to fit predetermined narratives. These fabricated messages, crafted to provoke emotional reactions rather than rational thought, foster echo chambers where hostility flourishes. Sensationalized claims overshadow nuanced discussions, leading to impulsive responses instead of informed debate. As independent thinking and open-mindedness wane, societal conflicts intensify, allowing hostility to remain a dominant force in our world. Rebuilding a culture of meaningful discourse and intellectual curiosity is essential in countering these trends and fostering greater understanding.

In today's world, there is a growing emphasis on materialistic possessions, money, and power as status symbols, overshadowing the values of knowledge, simplicity, and kindness. This shift in societal values contributes significantly to the hostile environment we experience. People are increasingly judged by their wealth and the luxury items they own, rather than their character or the knowledge they possess. This relentless pursuit of material wealth fosters a culture of competition and envy, where individuals are more focused on outdoing each other rather than supporting one another. The result is a society where superficial success is celebrated, and genuine human connections are neglected, leading to increased stress, anxiety, and a pervasive sense of dissatisfaction.

The world is at a crossroads. We can continue down the path of hostility, or we can work toward a future built on respect, cooperation, and genuine connection. The choice is ours. As we navigate this critical juncture, it is essential to recognize the power of our individual actions. While hostility is spreading across multiple aspects of life, hope is not lost.

By embracing empathy, we can learn to listen, understand, and respect others, healing divisions and fostering a sense of community. Reforming our communication by choosing kind, sincere language over sarcasm and aggression can restore healthy dialogue and mutual respect. Balancing self-interest with community values is crucial. Prioritizing both personal success and collective well-being can rebuild trust and create a more harmonious society. Thoughtful social media use, focusing on education rather than conflict, can reverse toxic trends and promote positive interactions. Demanding ethical leadership and holding political and business leaders accountable can reshape professional and global environments, ensuring that decisions are made with integrity and the greater good in mind. Sticking to moral and ethical values will keep us grounded and on the right path in every situation, leading to a reduction in the hostile environment around us. By making these conscious choices, we can pave the way for a future where respect, cooperation, and genuine connection are the norm, rather than the exception.

Hostility often stems from fear, misunderstanding, competition, or unchecked power—it is a complex cycle that has been present throughout history. However, even in the harshest environments, resilience and wisdom prevail. This reminds us that responding to hostility with more aggression only deepens the conflict. Seeking understanding, patience, and wisdom can be the real path forward.

Manoj Mittal | May 15, 2025| Noida