Economically, it seems like the disparity between the haves and have nots has increased significantly. Price inflation is not an illusion. In the Bay Area, it felt like no matter where I ate a meal, it always cost at least $20.

The supply chain issues are also real and seeing bare shelves, empty car lots, throughout the duration of my visit was disturbing.

I noticed a significant decline in the quality of service at many businesses. The labor shortage is apparent, and many service workers seemed not to care about their work, which reflected in their attitudes towards customers.

On a personal level, I felt that people were less friendly and, more worryingly, less respectful. The public cursing everywhere I went was really unattractive.

I'm sure some of this is that I have been changed by living in East Asia, where people tend to be more polite (if not friendly) and focus less on the individual than the group. But I don't think it was just me 100% either. I believe the increased politicization of just about every subject is a part of this.