I think this growth in cynicism really depends on where people start from. A lot of people were taught and reinforced a inaccurate model of the world.

When confronted with reality, it can't stand up and the individuals become angry and disengage rather than working with the system as it is.

I know this is painting with a broad brush but I see it basically everywhere I look. One example would be the expectation of a benevolent Authority that manages political and social life. Reality is that it is just messy humans all the way down.

Some people assume that from the beginning and can work with it. Other people just break down with frustration and broken expectations.