Friedrich Nietzsche predicted that the world would become increasingly nihilistic. He believed that the decline of religious and metaphysical beliefs, particularly Christianity in the Western world, would lead to a cultural crisis characterized by a loss of meaning and purpose. This crisis, which he called nihilism, involves the recognition that traditional values and beliefs have lost their power and that life may be inherently meaningless.

He saw the "death of God" as a pivotal event that would lead to nihilism, as the foundations of morality and meaning were historically grounded in religious faith. Without these foundations, Nietzsche feared that individuals might struggle to find purpose and direction.

However, Nietzsche also saw nihilism as a potential opportunity for transformation. He believed that individuals could overcome nihilism by creating their own values and embracing life-affirming philosophies.

Jean Baudrillard’s ideas in Simulacra and Simulation further illuminate this situation. He argued that in our contemporary society, reality has been replaced by simulations and hyperreality, where the representations of things are more influential than the things themselves. We’re constantly bombarded by media, technology, and consumer culture, which create a simulated world. This hyperreality provides a superficial sense of meaning and distraction from the harshness of existential void.

In essence, people might be turning to these simulations as a way to escape from the harsh reality of a world stripped of inherent meaning. The constant engagement with images, media, and consumer experiences offers temporary and superficial fulfillment, but it doesn’t address the deeper existential issues.

The unhappiness you observe might stem from this dynamic. As traditional sources of meaning wane, and as we immerse ourselves in simulations that offer only superficial comfort, a deeper dissatisfaction and sense of emptiness can prevail.