[seesaw]

My experience is very similar. I believe there are two primary reasons for this: 1. People are wealthier, and wealthier people tend to be more independent. 2. Population density is higher. Places with lower density, such as villages still tend to have that people to people connection like in the old days

[bravetraveler]

I grew up poor, in a village, but otherwise have had a fairly rich life. I've landed on the other side: well off and in the city. Still alone, however.

The hassle of finding my way in life and finally doing it made me "overly independent" given common sentiment.

I'm generally fine, yet outside of posts like this... I have absolutely no interest to connect. When people at work try to get close I actually feel saddened by my incapability.

The argument could certainly be made that opening up strengthens. That may be true. It may also be a transactional relationship going the other way.

I've had that vulnerability exploited enough. It's not as simple as "we like smooshing our meat bits together". Game theory exists.

Avoidance, yes, but show me where it has failed... me.

Rhetorical, not an accusation: it feels very strange to judge others for their independence. Why, so you can benefit?

Personally, the question isn't "why aren't people socializing". It's: "why is it worthwhile?". There's no universal answer - we must find it, I'm still trying.

All of this to say, we all play our hands. Sometimes too well.

[qazxcvbnmlp]

“why is it worthwhile” - generally human connection is a psychological need, if we are not conscious of it, the need will get filled with weird behaviors we don’t understand.

It sounds like you have been hurt by connection; I would encourage you to put some effort into understanding where your past experiences lead to you being exploited. If you can consciously learn how to identify safe people (they do exist) it will help with connection immensely.