The Demise of Empathy

Centuries of variation in political systems worldwide show a complex interplay between social norms and the institutions they shape. As societies adapt to new challenges and technologies, expectations for individual and collective behavior shift. Laws and regulations evolve accordingly, making social trends much more than fleeting cultural moments. When these norms become embedded in systems, they can influence democratic institutions for decades. In other words, the social constructs we see today—especially those amplified by social media—are building blocks of our future political systems.

Empathy has become a buzzword for Gen Z and older generations alike, in part because it’s been drilled into us since childhood—think of how teachers encouraged it during playground disputes. Yet as we age, empathy often fades or feels less urgent. This could be due to harsh life experiences, the jadedness of adulthood, or simply the realities of human nature. Research from the American Psychological Association shows empathy among young people dropped sharply between 1979 and 2009. Combined with a social media environment that encourages individualism and narcissism, this trend could set up a dangerous ethos for future political leaders and institutions.

America’s deeply ingrained capitalist mindset has also normalized cutthroat behavior. The “American Dream” promises wealth and power as rewards for hard work, but this often traps people in fantasies of climbing to the top at any cost. Online, this culture is magnified with endless videos promising success, motivation, and lifestyle shifts. Although such content can be inspiring, it often pushes a hyper-individualistic message: “put yourself first” and “cut off anyone who doesn’t serve you.” While prioritizing your own well-being is sometimes necessary, this mentality can erode our collective sense of humanity. It harms relationships, weakens communities, and makes our institutions vulnerable to deceit, mistrust, and materialism.

We’ve all heard warnings about social media’s impact on our brains. But the dopamine hits keep us scrolling even as reports show its harms. One overlooked side effect is how social media nurtures narcissistic tendencies. It’s designed to be self-serving—curating content “for you,” rewarding your posts with likes, and encouraging you to project your best self. This cycle distracts us from what matters and disconnects us from others’ needs. Apps like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube also promote rapid-fire content, eroding our patience and attention spans. That lack of patience spills into real life, making people quicker to judge and less empathetic. Hate speech and cyberbullying thrive in this environment, normalized under the guise of humor or anonymity, while desensitizing us to the harm we inflict on others. These behaviors are then baked into everyday life and will inevitably shape the way Gen Z governs when it takes the reins.

Gen Z is often praised for its progressive voice. But without empathy, even the most well-intentioned activism risks becoming self-serving. Politicians have long disguised personal ambition as public service, and that won’t disappear with a younger generation. Policies without empathy favor power and money over social welfare—think of exploiting low-wage workers to boost profits. Empathetic leadership, on the other hand, can find solutions that benefit the masses without scapegoating vulnerable groups. Blaming immigrants for economic decline, for example, is a quick and harmful fix rooted in a lack of perspective. True empathy offers better, longer-term solutions.

This erosion of empathy is already visible in U.S. politics. For decades, Republican lawmakers have pushed to remove sensitive or controversial topics from schools, arguing that young people shouldn’t be exposed to America’s violent history. Under the Trump administration, this effort intensified, including attempts to ban teaching Critical Race Theory and restricting certain books and museum exhibits. While these moves are framed as protecting national identity, they actually stifle the critical thinking and perspective future leaders need. Learning about history’s injustices—no matter how uncomfortable—is one of the closest ways we can develop empathy for experiences we haven’t lived ourselves. Storytelling, travel, and unbiased journalism all help nurture that broader perspective. Without understanding suffering, it’s nearly impossible to fully appreciate privilege or act compassionately in power.

Social constructs shape individuals, and individuals shape policy. The media we consume and the mindsets we adopt today directly influence the future of our countries. Empathy isn’t a soft skill or a luxury—it’s a necessity. Without it, we risk building a society defined by selfishness, mistrust, and division. With it, we have a chance to create systems that value both prosperity and humanity.