Moreover, the culture nowadays seems to confirm such attitudes, as breaking people from all their communities tend do drive them into a consumerist lifestyle (from my observations).
From my observations too. There is the old "divide and conquer" saying and it is how I see it happening. Social connections are being eroded and even while depression increases, the prescription given is to buy more.
I am lucky with my family, but I guess luck also has to be prepared for :)
Have a great afternoon.