**TL;DR - The world is getting better, just the press and media often portray it as otherwise** The past two years have definitely been a challenge, I think we can all agree? A global pandemic, divisive political movements and we have been stuck at home for a long time. However, I don’t think this is a reflection of how the world has been getting worse, in many ways, it has actually improved. Extreme poverty has fallen by half since the year 1990, but we seem so unaware of this. Negativity and media go hand-in-hand. Humans are naturally drawn to negativity. The more negativity something has drawn the more humans want to watch it; [a negativity bias] (https://www.vox.com/2014/11/24/7272929/global-poverty-health-crime-literacy-good-news). In the same vain as my previous point; [Extreme hunger has fallen in the last 10 years] (https://www.vox.com/2014/11/24/7272929/global-poverty-health-crime-literacy-good-news), life expectancy is rising, death during childbirth is a lot more rare. There are plenty of positives that come from the developing world we live in. I am not saying that there are no problems anymore and that the world is not just better but PERFECT! However, I do believe that there is merit to the idea that the world has measurably improved in many ways, but the press and media focus on the negativity that surrounds the current affairs.

**TL;DR: Short-term - YES; Medium-term - NO; Long-Term: who knows** Short-term: rising inequality, political polarisation, diminishing Freedom indices all over the world, rise of authoritarianism worldwide, increased risk of conflagration between the US and China (the [Thucydides Trap](https://foreignpolicy.com/2017/06/09/the-thucydides-trap/))... Medium-Term: Exploding life-expectancy all over the developing world, billions rising out of poverty, rapidly decreasing numbers of people in extreme poverty... All the macro health and prosperity trends are pointing in the right direction. Long-Term: Are we richer, healthier, more informed than we were in the Middle Ages? No question. Are we happier, more fulfilled? Maybe. Will that continue? All depends on Climate Change...

climate change is killing off ppl everywhere this summer. record tempatures around the world. horrific event thats going to get worse until we all lay in the grave we dug.

no duh! its almost like that was foretold in the book of revelation in the bible...

The perception of whether the world is getting worse is subjective and depends on various factors, including technological advancements, social progress, environmental changes, and global challenges. For: Environmental Degradation: Issues such as climate change, deforestation, and pollution are significant global concerns. The increasing frequency and severity of natural disasters, loss of biodiversity, and the overall impact of human activities on the environment suggest that the world is facing serious ecological challenges . Social and Political Instability: Many regions are experiencing increased social and political instability, including conflicts, human rights violations, and growing inequality. The rise of authoritarianism, polarization, and civil unrest in various countries contributes to the perception that the world is getting worse . Economic Disparities: Economic inequality remains a pressing issue. Despite global economic growth, the gap between the rich and the poor continues to widen, leading to social tensions and decreased opportunities for many people . Public Health Crises: The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted vulnerabilities in global health systems and created widespread economic and social disruptions. Ongoing public health challenges, such as pandemics, antibiotic resistance, and access to healthcare, continue to impact global well-being​ (Discover what the world thinks.)​. Against: Technological and Medical Advancements: Significant progress in technology and medicine has improved quality of life for many. Innovations in healthcare, communication, and technology have led to increased life expectancy, better disease management, and enhanced connectivity​ (Discover what the world thinks.)​​ (Discover what the world thinks.)​. Reduction in Global Poverty: Over the past few decades, there has been a significant reduction in global poverty. Millions of people have been lifted out of extreme poverty due to economic growth, improved education, and international development efforts​ (Wikipedia)​. Social Progress: Advancements in human rights, gender equality, and social justice have been made globally. Movements advocating for LGBTQ+ rights, racial equality, and women's empowerment have achieved considerable progress, although challenges remain​ (Participedia)​ . Improved Global Cooperation: Efforts towards global cooperation and addressing common challenges have been strengthened through international organizations and agreements. Initiatives like the Paris Agreement on climate change and the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals aim to create a better future .