I believe that this is the result of our society's loss of spirituality. Despair happens when one does not trust/believe in a higher power. And when one is despaired, one seeks to replace the despair and numbness with all sorts of things. Yes, I am of course simplifying, but think about it. Most computer geeks I know do not believe in God or any other deity. It's cool to be an atheist, and unfortunately that is the norm these days.