Yes, the invention of 24/7 "news" channel did cause a lot of this. My Mom always says she is glad her in-laws were gone before FOX News became a thing.

Tim's parents told him that there must be "something in the water" that turns people "liberal" out there...and then asked when we wanted to visit them in Wisconsin. Gee, charming. The only silver lining in this virus is a valid excuse not to travel to see them