> What if growing bigger, more connected brains is the next evolutionary step?

I don't mean to be mean - but unlike what "nerds" think "intelligence" isn't some superior trait that automatically means the gulag/eugenics for the socially popular kids who they despise. All this situation indicates is that the societies are broken/mean (on every side).

Traits need to be "rewarded" for them to be evolutionarily meaningful in the individual's environment. More connections etc. also means a lot more energy consumption. Not many societies can support such phenotypes.