I feel the same way. I feel like in the past there was a real need to connect with people but back then things were different.

(1) there weren't that many people around and so each one was special...
(2) because of the above.. most people were on their best behavior. So that interacting with people was a pleasant experience.

But now.

(1) there are people every place and
(2) people are ill-mannered and unpleasant. I actually think it is a natural human reaction to the "over population" issue.

There was a time when I was younger that i felt people were a good thing but now I don't. I can't tell if people have changed or I have but I think it is people... there is something really wrong and negative about them.