It does seem like more people mistakenly believe that their situations are actually desperate enough to take desperate measures. Delusions of grandeur?
One book from the late 1970s that predicted some of what we’re seeing today is “The Culture of Narcissism” by Christopher Lasch.
It’s not exactly an easy read but I’ve done it cover to cover no less than three times, and each time got more out of it than the last.
Take care, FRiend.