Tove Jansson's adult novel "Sun City" explores the theme of isolation among elderly Americans, reflecting a social retreat that began in the 1970s. Set against the backdrop of a Florida retirement community, Jansson's narrative critiques the decline of communal spaces and relationships as society increasingly favored cars and televisions. As noted by Derek Thompson, this shift has transitioned America into what he describes as the 'anti-social century,' where digital communication often replaces in-person interaction, deepening individual solitude in communities that once thrived on connection.
"In the 1970s, Americans started retreating from public life—a trend attributed to the rise of cars and televisions, leading to a more isolated lifestyle."
"Thompson suggests that rather than an epidemic of loneliness, we're seeing Americans choosing isolation, opting for digital communication over real-life interactions."
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