The feeling that people are angrier is not exclusive to America; it is a widespread, global phenomenon with complex and interconnected causes. The perception of rising anger is rooted in a variety of economic, social, and psychological factors exacerbated by recent global events.

Economic pressures and inequality
Across many countries, financial strain is fueling widespread discontent.
Cost of living crisis: As inflation has caused the price of goods to increase, many people are experiencing greater financial worry and psychological distress.
Economic inequality: The widening gap between the wealthy and the rest of the population is a major source of social discontent and political polarization globally. When a large portion of the population feels left behind, it erodes trust in institutions and can lead to unrest.
Mental health crisis
The global state of emotional health has been in decline, according to Gallup polls.
Persistent negative emotions: Rates of stress, sadness, and worry have been on the rise for a decade. The percentage of adults globally who reported experiencing anger reached a record high in a 2018 survey and remains elevated.
COVID-19 pandemic: The pandemic caused a spike in anxiety and depression due to unprecedented stress factors like isolation, financial worries, and fear. While some metrics have stabilized, negative emotions remain at a heightened state.
Stress and frustration: The constant physiological and cognitive burden of stress makes individuals more prone to anger, creating a feedback loop where stress fuels anger, and anger exacerbates stress.
Social and technological shifts
The way people interact and receive information has intensified political and social divisions.
Social media algorithms: Platforms often amplify emotionally charged and divisive content because it drives user engagement. This creates a cycle where outrage and indignation are rewarded, reinforcing existing beliefs and creating "echo chambers".
Increased polarization: While social media is not the sole cause, it contributes to increased partisan animosity in many countries. Studies show that exposure to opposing views in a hostile online environment can actually increase, rather than decrease, polarization.

Erosion of trust: Sensationalist, hyper-partisan media, combined with a decline in confidence in public institutions, weakens social cohesion and increases citizen anger.
Geopolitical events and instability
People are feeling overwhelmed by an accumulation of global threats and conflicts.
Geopolitical instability: Ongoing conflicts and political polarization, both domestically and internationally, contribute to a sense of anxiety and anger. Issues ranging from military spending to trade wars add to the feeling of an unstable and threatening world.
Impact on vulnerable populations: Displaced populations and those in conflict zones often experience significantly higher levels of mental distress and anger.

Environmental anxieties: For many, the gradual and catastrophic effects of climate change, such as loss of livelihood due to extreme weather, are a growing source of stress and mental health strain.