Not like "you cannot derive basic conclusions from simple inputs because you were unfortunately born without ability to do that", but more like "you refuse to derive basic conclusions from simple inputs because _________________."
The reasons aren't clear and are possibly complex and subconscious, but it seems more about refusing to do the basic mental processing, despite having the capability to do it.
I think the big point here is that reasoning, critical thinking and assorted mental disciplines are no longer taught, or at least downplayed in contemporary education. People won't practice, and certainly not enjoy, skills they've never been acquainted with.
Conspiracy theories say that this is something the Powers That Be inflict on us intentionally. I can't be sure but I think the blame could just as easily rest with simple bungled priorities and seemingly expedient cost-cutting measures.
The reason are emotions, many of them subconscious, like you said. Emotional patterns can be complex, but the solution isn't: Less pressure and fear mongering. More appreciation, time and space for children to grow into responsible adults.
I don't think we're able to steer the ship around though, unfortunately.
You want better people? Make parents sit down and talk to their children every single day: https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/diet-is-4-letter-word/2...
Of course it will take at least one generation to undo the damaged that has been done. Don't keep searching for simpler reasons or solutions. I don't believe there are any.
The rest of this post is a repost from me https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=12724851:
We live in the age of fear because the hose of information that floods us is constantly opened further: Letters → Telegram → Telephone → Radio → TV → Internet → Mobile Internet.
Human beings need time to manage their emotions. Time spent waiting. Time being bored. Time when NO new information, not even positive, is arriving.
We are constantly distracted and thus increasingly unable to sort out our feelings. That is the reason.
And distracted parents that can't give their children at least 15 minutes of absolutely undivided attention per day worsen their offspring's ability to manage emotions even further.
That is why Zuckerberg/Facebook's idea "just flood everyone with everything and it will get better" is dead-wrong.
What Facebook could do to really help the world is turning off it's platform for one day each week.