just reading the majority of posts here is a good indication.
Yes, it is. And yes, "we" are getting a lot ruder and verbally abusive . Why?? Some of it might related to the constant barrage we get of bad news. Wars, terror, human abuse, child abuse, child molestation. abductions, shootings and the list goes on....
all of the above causes an ongoing ripple of tension........whether we are even aware of it or not. That in turn , causes snap reactions, over reactions, angry outbursts, fowl language, threats etc etc.
The ongoing tensions from the economical problems don't help much either. There is an undercurrent of anger , that if un resolved positively......can erupt into something unknown and frightening.
On line bullying is causing harsh and even deadly results with teen agers who are having one heck of a time anyhow. Being a teen and feeling inadequate as one finds his way around the hormones, the social demands, career decisions, and the pressures to perform well, if not excell is not an easy stage of life.
\We see enough personal bullying here. and one supposes that one is dealing with ADULTS. So the answer is there in neon lights.