Why does the world regress to being mean ?

Most people take offense at everything nowadays. Most people do not like to share other people’s views. They either “brand” them as not suited to be heard or less likely to say something of value. Most people are so frustrated that they only hang around people who are like them (they know what they think or what they will say AND they know 100% they will get support for anything they do.) Now… why does one have to be mean toward the others they do not like / understand / accept, etc.? A few centuries ago being mean was something people respected…Does one get the proper respect now for doing the same? I may not have pointed out the exact ideas of what I was thinking though I’d like you people to discuss around it a bit. Thanks.