Professor of political theory at Georgetown University Joshua Mitchell identifies three main social problems in his book American Awakening: Identity Politics and Other Afflictions of Our Time, published in 2020. These problems—identity politics, social bipolarity, and the spread of addictions—hinder the prosperity of the United States and much of the developed world. Mitchell explores how identity politics has replaced traditional religious frameworks, leading to societal divisions and moral confusion. Meanwhile, social bipolarity and addictions contribute to a sense of alienation and aimlessness.
‘Selfie Man’ in Pursuit of Instant Pleasure
Mitchell argues that social bipolarity—a condition resembling manic depression—stems from two key sources: the management-based society and the phenomenon of the ‘selfie man’ in social media. Modern economies are built on specialization, which isolates individuals and strips them of competencies that once formed the foundation of self-respect and social cohesion. This leads to depression, which people attempt to counterbalance in the digital world. On social media, individuals can present themselves as more perfect than they are in reality, creating a manic state that ultimately exacerbates self-esteem issues.
This bipolarity destabilizes society, as people either rely entirely on politics and social institutions to solve their problems or seek to prove their moral superiority through activism. In both cases, genuine, constructive action is often absent. This phenomenon creates a cycle where individuals remain dependent on external validation, further deepening their sense of inadequacy.
‘Addictions arise because humans naturally seek shortcuts to satisfy their needs’
According to Mitchell, addictions arise because humans naturally seek shortcuts to satisfy their needs. In modern society, tools originally intended to supplement human experiences have increasingly become substitutes. For example, drugs replace the pursuit of transcendent experiences, social media offers quick but superficial feedback in place of personal relationships, fast food replaces home-cooked meals, and, in sexuality, the pursuit of pleasure has taken precedence over procreation and the joy of having children, contributing to the demographic crisis.
Mitchell emphasizes that this tendency to seek easy substitutes is deeply ingrained in human nature. The widespread availability of these substitutes in modern society has led to an overreliance on temporary, artificial solutions that fail to provide lasting fulfilment. The result is a society where individuals increasingly struggle with feelings of emptiness, alienation, and dissatisfaction.
Rediscovering Fundamental Needs and Values
One of the most concerning consequences of social bipolarity and substitution is the demographic crisis. Modern society infantilizes people: the sense of emptiness resulting from a lack of competence is masked by online self-validation, hindering the process of maturing into adulthood. One side of social bipolarity encourages people to focus narcissistically on themselves, while the other side suggests that they lack the competencies to raise successful children. The tendency to seek substitutes results in children being replaced by pets, entertainment, and careers.
This demographic shift is not merely a result of economic pressures but is deeply connected to cultural and psychological factors. The modern emphasis on individualism and personal freedom, while beneficial in some respects, has contributed to a culture where long-term commitments and responsibilities are often seen as burdens rather than sources of meaning and fulfilment.
Mitchell believes that addressing these social problems requires a fundamental transformation of the economic mindset. People must regain the competencies that once provided them with independence and self-respect. Culture and education systems play a crucial role in this process. Family-friendly messages in the entertainment industry can highlight the joys of parenthood, while the education system should equip young people with practical skills that help them transition into adulthood, without taking over the role of parents.
‘Addressing these social problems requires a fundamental transformation of the economic mindset’
Additionally, Mitchell advocates for a renewed focus on community and interpersonal relationships. By fostering environments where people can connect with one another in meaningful ways, society can reduce reliance on digital substitutes and promote a greater sense of belonging and purpose. Encouraging volunteerism, building cohesive small communities, and other forms of social participation can help individuals build self-confidence and develop a stronger sense of identity.
The current state of society—which is true not only for Mitchell’s United States but also for much of the developed world—is one of either not recognizing our deep-rooted, fundamental needs and the competencies that go with them or misguidedly satisfying them through loopholes rather than the hard but genuine way. We need to identify these basic human needs and competencies that are essential for survival, spiritual balance, and material security and set a guideline on how to meet and master them. By rediscovering these needs and values, we will eventually rediscover the need and motivation for having more children. This is a collective project that involves, first of all, ordinary people, philosophers, the church, artists, psychologists, and the government.
A Country Committed to Traditional Morals
If we are to consider the role of respective governments in countering the social challenges described by Mitchell, we could point to at least one particular country in the Western world—none other than Hungary. The government, led by Prime Minister Viktor Orbán since 2010, has introduced several measures and initiatives to address these issues, gaining attention from every part of the globe, from Washington to Seoul. Hungary’s approach has been built on the premise that societal cohesion, strong families, and traditional values are essential for a stable and prosperous future. Some even refer to the country as a ‘laboratory’ for conservative family policies.
The Hungarian government actively fosters local communities by promoting social and cultural engagement, strengthening interpersonal connections through community centres, subsidised housing, and rural revitalization projects. Schools integrate civic education to instil cooperation and national identity, while state-supported cultural festivals and national holidays reinforce shared heritage, fostering belonging and stability.
To counter social bipolarity and addiction, Hungary emphasizes resilience-building through educational programmes, critical thinking, and responsible technology use. Youth initiatives, such as summer camps, sports competitions, and mentorship programmes, encourage real-world interactions and community engagement. Government-funded recreational centres and sports facilities offer alternatives to digital dependence and passive entertainment.
Recognizing the demographic crisis, Hungary has introduced family policies offering financial incentives for childbirth, including tax breaks, the CSOK home purchase subsidy, and the baby-expecting loan. Expanded maternity and paternity leave, accessible childcare facilities, and awareness campaigns highlight the societal and emotional benefits of parenthood. Through these efforts, Hungary aims to build a society that values strong families, personal fulfilment, and long-term social stability. The government paves the way for a new societal approach to building families but, as mentioned before, the project of curing society from the root causes of demographic decline is a collective one.
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