In today's world, anxiety is seeping into more and more areas of our lives.

Global Anxiety: The Collision of Technology, Politics, and Culture

In today's world, anxiety is seeping into more and more areas of our lives. We are confronted with dangerous political-military scenarios where even the slightest misstep can lead to apocalyptic events, and global instability is worsened by technological breakthroughs capable of radically changing the climate and governance systems. Alongside this, there is a sharp shift in cultural and religious traditions: alternative belief systems, the emergence of numerous sects, and ambiguous reactions to new cultural phenomena create an atmosphere of uncertainty. Socio-economic instability generates widespread stress and intensifies feelings of anxiety, as rumors about military conflicts and natural disasters seem almost real. At the same time, scientific and technological progress—carrying both opportunities and threats—raises concerns about the future, where moral decay could become a trigger for new spontaneous catastrophes. Altogether, these catastrophic signals compel us to consider the importance of maintaining a balance between the pursuit of progress and an awareness of risks in order to secure a safer future.

What events or factors are capable of triggering serious vigilance in a person?

Based on the presented materials, numerous events and factors can provoke a serious sense of alert. Among these, the following can be highlighted:

1. Catastrophic political and military scenarios. For example, the idea that fanatical terrorists, criminal states, or even military authorities might be the first to deploy weapons of mass destruction—thereby sparking apocalyptic events—provokes deep anxiety. This is illustrated in the excerpt:
"Fanatical terrorists, criminal states, and even military authorities are capable, whether they intend to or not, of triggering apocalyptic events by being the first to use weapons of mass destruction..." (source: 473_2360.txt, page: 1820).

2. Changes in natural and technological conditions. The ongoing shifting of the Earth's magnetic poles, which could lead to abrupt climate changes, coupled with a rapid revolution in information technology capable of providing centralized control over the population, creates a sense of instability and threat from both nature and modern life:
"Scientists note the incessant shifting of the Earth's magnetic poles, which may cause a sudden change in the planet's climate with unpredictable consequences. A relentless revolution in information technology is underway, with an almost explosive character..." (source: 11_54.txt, page: 35).

3. Religious and cultural upheavals. There is an increase in the number of false Christs and false prophets, the emergence of countless sects, psychics, sorcerers, and other proponents of alternative beliefs, which may heighten feelings of uncertainty and anxiety among people—especially those accustomed to traditional views:
"An unprecedented multiplication of false Christs and false prophets. Satan has begotten an innumerable number of sects and small cults..." (source: 11_54.txt, page: 36).

4. Reactions to cultural phenomena. Sometimes even culturally positive products can trigger a suspicious and ominous response from significant portions of the population. For instance, the mass interest and attachment shown toward a film character are perceived ambiguously—even as something demonic—amplifying negative sentiments:
"A truly ominous reaction to the new film that everyone in America is talking about and watching - 'E.T.', which has led literally millions of Americans to express their devotion and love for the character, the 'savior from space', who is clearly a demon..." (source: 1830_9149.txt, page: 92).

5. Socio-economic and psychological crises. Abrupt changes in socio-economic conditions can create stressful states, making it easier to manipulate public consciousness. This deepens the collective anxiety and leaves people seeking quick, though often superficial, solutions:
"Objective factors that facilitate the manipulation of consciousness... The deepening stress in the context of rapid socio-economic changes in Russia leads to heightened anxiety and confusion among citizens..." (source: 177_881.txt, page: 21).

6. Military conflicts and natural disasters. Constant rumors about wars, threats of unimaginable nuclear warfare, and natural calamities—such as earthquakes and the emergence of new volcanoes—further intensify the sense of danger and instability in the world:
"Wars and military rumors, each more chilling and ruthless than the other, are overshadowed by the threat of unimaginable nuclear war, which could be triggered with the push of a button. Ubiquitous natural disasters: earthquakes and the emergence of new volcanoes..." (source: 713_3560.txt, page: 59).

7. Fateful prophecies. Predictions about imminent catastrophes associated with divine intervention or the inexorability of fate can instill in people a sense of impending retribution and deep concern for the future:
"Lord, you restore the Kingdom of Israel. There is no need to write to you about the times and seasons, brothers, for you yourselves know with certainty that the day of the Lord will come..." (source: 1011_5052.txt, page: 5).

8. Scientific-technical progress and moral decline. Modern technology is seen as humankind's attempt to secure itself, yet when combined with a decline in moral values, this progress may contribute to an increase in spontaneous disasters and create additional threats:
"Modern scientific and technological progress is nothing more than an attempt by sinful humanity to free itself from the grasp of God's benevolent providence, to independently secure and protect itself with all sorts of technical contrivances against the beneficial divine remedies manifested in the form of various punishments..." (source: 99_493.txt, page: 665).

Thus, the events and factors capable of triggering serious vigilance in an individual include not only political-military threats and natural disasters but also cultural and religious upheavals, socio-economic crises, as well as technological changes accompanied by moral decline.

Supporting citation(s):
"Fanatical terrorists, criminal states, and even military authorities are capable, whether they intend to or not, of triggering apocalyptic events by being the first to use weapons of mass destruction..." (source: 473_2360.txt, page: 1820)
"Scientists note the incessant shifting of the Earth's magnetic poles, which may cause a sudden change in the planet's climate with unpredictable consequences. A relentless revolution in information technology is underway, with an almost explosive character..." (source: 11_54.txt, page: 35)
"An unprecedented multiplication of false Christs and false prophets. Satan has begotten an innumerable number of sects and small cults..." (source: 11_54.txt, page: 36)
"A truly ominous reaction to the new film that everyone in America is talking about and watching - 'E.T.', which has led literally millions of Americans to express their devotion and love for the character, the 'savior from space', who is clearly a demon..." (source: 1830_9149.txt, page: 92)
"Objective factors that facilitate the manipulation of consciousness... The deepening stress in the context of rapid socio-economic changes in Russia leads to heightened anxiety and confusion among citizens..." (source: 177_881.txt, page: 21)
"Wars and military rumors, each more chilling and ruthless than the other, are overshadowed by the threat of unimaginable nuclear war, which could be triggered with the push of a button. Ubiquitous natural disasters: earthquakes and the emergence of new volcanoes..." (source: 713_3560.txt, page: 59)
"Lord, you restore the Kingdom of Israel. There is no need to write to you about the times and seasons, brothers, for you yourselves know with certainty that the day of the Lord will come..." (source: 1011_5052.txt, page: 5)
"Modern scientific and technological progress is nothing more than an attempt by sinful humanity to free itself from the grasp of God's benevolent providence, to independently secure and protect itself with all sorts of technical contrivances against the beneficial divine remedies manifested in the form of various punishments..." (source: 99_493.txt, page: 665)