Deepening Political Divide and Threat of Trump Re-election Fuel Anxiety and Disconnection Among Americans
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The deepening political divide and threat of Trump being re-elected is causing anxiety and alienation among Americans. This is unlikely to dissipate soon.
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People are losing trust in institutions and each other; rates of mental illness and feelings of disconnection are rising.
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Ways to feel connected include joining extremist groups like QAnon or Trump's "cult of personality." Chat rooms also connect like-minded people.
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Those feeling disconnected span race, age, gender, and sexuality. Better off economically correlates with higher belonging.
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Overcoming alienation involves changing societal conditions, not retaliation. Yet Trump spreads cruelty, while Democrats push inclusion.