surely, yes - these factors contributed to the habit of closing up.

can make such a conclusion as you state at the end...? NO. cuz times have changed. and so must we to evolve.

the internet may be a safe stepping-stone, given people can more freely express themselves with anonymity, and yes trolling may be part of that phenomenon. though ultimately, evolution must occur - and the maturation of expression happen such that some might build enough confidence with the training wheels of their social media games to speak louder and bolder in real life....