I heard the same exact sort of complaints before the internet existed as even a niche thing for the ubernerds. Industrialization is a common culprit but given the "urge to go away adventuring or sailing" I suspect base human condition personally.

On a related note about community it brings to mind Fight Club, Rent, and other "pre-Great Recession" aging very poorly as bitching about your cozy office job which pays the rent handily just came across as a spoiled rich kid to those in the downturn.