Lost Trust and Selfish People in the Modern World Seyhan Uludag
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Lost Trust and Selfish People in the Modern World Seyhan Uludag Today, people often face the loss of trust and relationships when questioning their own lives. The rapidly changing dynamics of modern life drag individuals into a deep vortex of selfishness and weaken social ties. This situation has been widely studied by sociologists and psychologists. For example, Zygmunt Bauman's concept of "Liquid Modernity" explains how modern societies are in constant change and how this situation erodes the ties between individuals. According to Bauman, relationships are now more temporary and superficial; individuals focus on short-term relationships of interest instead of establishing long-term relationships of trust. Questioning one's own life is an existential act. This questioning begins with basic questions such as "Why am I here?" or "What is the meaning of my life?" In modern societies, these questions often deepen as individuals feel lonely and social ties weaken. In a world where society is becoming more and more individualized, people can feel isolated and alienated. However, this feeling of loneliness is a shared experience; a large portion of individuals struggle with similar feelings. Trust is a key ingredient in any relationship; without it, relationships become superficial and fragile. In the modern world, the fast-paced lifestyle, digitalization, and the decrease in face-to-face communication are weakening the sense of trust between people. This weakening makes individuals feel more alone and helpless. Robert D. Putnam’s work “Bowling Alone: The Collapse and Revival of American Community” shows how social capital and community participation are decreasing in American society. Putnam states that the decrease in community participation and trust leads to individuals becoming lonely and weakening social ties. However, this situation is not unique to Americans; similar trends are observed around the world. Selfishness is another major problem of modern life. The capitalist system constantly encourages individuals to earn more, consume more, and compete. This leads individuals to put themselves and their needs before others. Selfishness becomes widespread not only at the individual level but also at the social level. Society becomes a structure where individuals prioritize their personal interests over social interests. The increase in selfishness leads to a decrease in social bonds and solidarity. While people act in accordance with their own needs and desires, they ignore the needs of others. This situation causes inequalities in society to increase and social justice to be damaged. Shopping frenzy and consumer culture are concrete examples of this selfishness. As Herbert Marcuse stated in his work "One-Dimensional Man", consumer society objectifies individuals and makes them addicted to consumption. This situation causes individuals to become addicted to material values and moral values to take a backseat. As people consume more, they feel alienated from nature and each other. However, despite this pessimistic picture, questioning one's own life can also open the door to positive changes. Questioning oneself and one's environment can enable people to become more conscious and empathetic individuals. Rebuilding trust and social bonds is possible by replacing selfish behaviors with solidarity and cooperation. Humans are inherently social beings and need social bonds. Re-strengthening these bonds allows individuals to trust each other and strengthen their relationships. Encouraging a culture of solidarity in society contributes to reducing selfishness and ensuring social justice. This process also leads to individuals living happier and more satisfied lives. Questioning one's own life is important in understanding the problems brought about by the modern world, such as lost trust and relationships and increased selfishness, and in seeking solutions. This questioning can enable individuals to better understand themselves and society and adopt a more empathetic, solidaristic lifestyle. Rebuilding trust and social bonds instead of selfish behaviors lays the foundations for a more just and harmonious society. Knowing that one is not alone and acting together against common problems, people can build a better future for themselves and others.
