I often find myself genuinely disinterested in other people where I live. I live in Somaliland and people love to talk local politics here. I don't get involved in it anymore because it's not really about politics but tribalism. It's not about right or wrong but just blindly defending whoever you're tangentially related to. I'm actually quite worried how children I have will end up if raised here.

I'm genuinely interested in people here on HN. In people I see presenting conferences I watch. In people who share my interests. I don't believe I can manufacture genuine interest. It's supposed to come naturally. However, if I don't even try to at least pretend to care then I will literally not talk to anyone for large portions of time.

Thanks for the advice though.