[lostinroutine]

Not the poster, but I concur that things weren't all that different in 2017. I would say that OP's reaction is caused by selectively remembering the state of the world. Living in the environment where mass media is ubiquitous, you don't quite realize just how bad things are or the negative effects it has on people. You only become aware of that after being removed from it for a period of time (e.g. being in prison) and then getting reintroduced to it.

[trompetenaccoun]

As a counterpoint, most living in a given system rarely notice even significant changes when they happen gradually over months and years. Being removed from a place cuts you off from being a part of that, when you return all the changes will hit you at once full force. But someone who never left will just shrug their shoulders and go "haven't you heard?". It can't seem so strange to them because they've been conditioned into it, it's become normal.

I hear similar stories from people who move abroad and return, I wouldn't simply dismiss them.