surely, yes - these factors contributed to the habit of closing up.
can make such a conclusion as you state at the end...? NO. cuz times have changed. and so must we to evolve.
the internet may be a safe stepping-stone, given people can more freely express themselves with anonymity, and yes trolling may be part of that phenomenon. though ultimately, evolution must occur - and the maturation of expression happen such that some might build enough confidence with the training wheels of their social media games to speak louder and bolder in real life....
Yes, I agree that we are evolving. Just the topics we as humanity discuss more and more - freedom, consent, sexual expression, rise in libertarianis, movements like radical honesty, etc.
Even corporations are becoming more transparent.
So I think we are on a great way to some amazing times :).