It often feels like the world is becoming more divided, less tolerant, and increasingly hostile.
While progress has been made in some areas, rising tensions, social conflicts, and polarisation seem stronger than ever — all you have to do is look at the cultural and political landscape in America as an example (and Britain isn’t far behind). People used to have differing opinions without it turning into an all-out war, but these days, disagreements feel more personal, more intense, and harder to deal with. Here are some of the reasons why acceptance and understanding feel harder to find in 2025. Hopefully, we can all find a way forward and start showing each other more compassion and empathy. (Hey, a soft-hearted person can dream, no?)
1. Social media fuels outrage instead of understanding.
Platforms that used to connect people now seem to thrive on division. Social media algorithms are designed to keep people engaged, and nothing grabs attention quite like anger. The more people argue, the more time they spend on the app, which means more ad revenue for these platforms. This has created a culture where outrage is rewarded, and people are constantly exposed to extreme viewpoints that push them further apart. Instead of encouraging open discussions, social media often leads to knee-jerk reactions, with people attacking before they fully understand a situation. The more we interact in these online spaces, the more our tolerance for differing opinions seems to shrink. A simple disagreement can turn into a full-blown argument within seconds, making it feel like the world has lost its ability to have civil conversations.
2. Political polarisation is at an all-time high.
It’s no secret that politics has become more divisive, but lately, it feels like people are more entrenched in their beliefs than ever. Instead of healthy debate, we’re stuck in a world where every issue is black and white, and anyone who disagrees is instantly seen as the enemy. Politicians and media outlets thrive on this, feeding into division rather than encouraging common ground. With politics woven into nearly every aspect of life, from entertainment to workplace conversations, it’s harder to escape the constant tension. People don’t just disagree on policies; they now see different political opinions as moral failings. The result? Less tolerance, more conflict, and an increasing inability to have productive discussions without things getting ugly.
3. Economic struggles are making people more resentful.
When people are struggling financially, their patience and compassion tend to wear thin. With rising living costs, unstable job markets, and growing inequality, people are more stressed than ever. This stress often manifests as resentment, with people looking for someone to blame — whether it’s certain groups, politicians, or even their own neighbours. Economic frustration makes it harder to be understanding of other people’s struggles because everyone feels like they’re barely getting by. Instead of working together, society starts to fracture, with different groups turning against each other. It’s hard to be tolerant when you feel like you’re constantly being short-changed, and unfortunately, that frustration often spills out in unhealthy ways.
4. Misinformation spreads faster than ever.
We’ve never had more access to information, yet somehow, it feels harder than ever to know what’s true. Social media, AI-generated news, and viral misinformation have created a world where people are constantly bombarded with conflicting “facts.” Many don’t take the time to verify sources, and once a misleading story gains traction, it can shape opinions long before the truth comes out. When people believe distorted or exaggerated narratives, they start to distrust those who challenge their views. Instead of approaching discussions with an open mind, they become defensive, convinced that their side is right and the other side is wrong. Misinformation fuels paranoia and division, making it even harder to find common ground with people who see the world completely differently.
5. Cancel culture has made people afraid to talk.
The fear of being “cancelled” for saying the wrong thing has made open discussions nearly impossible in some circles. While accountability is important, there’s a difference between calling out harmful behaviour and publicly shaming someone for an honest mistake. In today’s world, people are often afraid to ask questions or engage in difficult conversations for fear of being attacked. When people feel like they can’t express themselves, resentment builds. Instead of learning and growing through discussion, they retreat into defensive bubbles where their existing beliefs are never challenged. The result is a society where people are afraid to engage in real conversations, which only deepens the divide between different groups.
6. Identity politics is deepening divisions.
Source: Unsplash People have always identified with certain groups — whether based on race, gender, religion, or political beliefs — but these days, identity politics is stronger than ever. While representation and advocacy are important, extreme identity politics can create an “us vs. them” mentality, where people are judged more by their labels than their individual character. It’s made discussions about complex issues nearly impossible. Instead of seeing people as individuals, there’s a growing tendency to make assumptions based on group identity. When people feel boxed into categories, it’s harder to have open conversations, and tolerance for differing viewpoints takes a major hit.
7. The internet rewards extreme opinions.
Moderate, well-reasoned perspectives rarely go viral. Online spaces are dominated by the loudest, most controversial voices, whether they’re spreading conspiracy theories, extreme political views, or cultural outrage. Because engagement drives visibility, the most divisive content often gets the most attention. When people are constantly exposed to extreme takes, they start to believe the world is far more divided than it actually is. Instead of seeing nuance, they see only two sides: right or wrong, good or bad. This makes it harder to practice tolerance because people feel like they’re constantly under attack from the “other side.”
8. News outlets profit from division.
Traditional media has always shaped public opinion, but in recent years, the push for ratings and clicks has led to sensationalised reporting. Fear sells, and many media companies take advantage of this by focusing on conflict, division, and negativity rather than balanced discussions. Because people are more likely to engage with emotionally charged content, news outlets prioritise stories that stir outrage over those that promote understanding. This fuels a constant sense of “us vs. them,” making it even harder to see people with different views as anything other than enemies.
9. Cultural changes are happening too fast for some people to accept.
Social progress is moving at an unprecedented pace, and while many embrace these changes, others feel overwhelmed. New conversations about gender identity, language, and social norms are happening so quickly that some people feel left behind, struggling to keep up with what’s considered acceptable. When change feels forced rather than gradual, resistance builds. Instead of fostering understanding, it creates defensiveness and backlash. The result is a world where some people feel like they can’t voice their discomfort without being attacked, while others feel exhausted from constantly having to explain why change is necessary.
10. People are emotionally exhausted.
With everything going on in the world—wars, climate crises, political instability, financial stress — people are mentally drained. Emotional exhaustion makes it harder to practise patience, empathy, or open-mindedness. When you’re already overwhelmed, it’s easier to lash out than to try and understand someone else’s perspective. As people struggle to manage their own stress, they have less energy to engage in thoughtful, tolerant discussions. This leads to shorter tempers, harsher opinions, and a general feeling that the world is becoming less accepting.
