Induction of (subliminal) fear into society is a major factor, but I regard the damage done by organized religions as a bigger one. I am not sure as to whether there will be a global epiphany but the next 5 years are going to be epic. All money in circulation originated from debts, so the problem cannot be fixed. I think people must first realize that their attachment to materialism imprisons them.
I do not expect much from steemit, I do see issues with allowing people to downvote controversial or challenging postings and buddies banding together.