📰 The Moral Decay Index
Article Library
Every article, data breakdown, and analysis piece — organized by topic.
Featured
Marriage & Family New
The Marriage Collapse: America’s Most Dangerous Unreported Crisis
Marriage rates have hit historic lows — 5.8 per 1,000 people, the lowest ever recorded. While politicians debate surface issues, the foundational institution of American society is quietly disintegrating. We examine the data, the cultural forces driving the collapse, and what it truly means for America’s future.
The Marriage Collapse: America’s Most Dangerous Unreported Crisis
Marriage rates have hit historic lows — 5.8 per 1,000 people, the lowest ever recorded. While politicians debate surface issues, the foundational institution of American society is quietly disintegrating. We examine the data, the cultural forces driving the collapse, and what it truly means for America’s future.
All Articles
Current Events
The President Crashed the Party — And Ruined It
Trump’s attendance at NBA Finals Game 3 turned a historic night at MSG into 15 blocked blocks, canceled watch parties, and TSA-style screenings. Who paid the price.
The President Crashed the Party — And Ruined It
Trump’s attendance at NBA Finals Game 3 turned a historic night at MSG into 15 blocked blocks, canceled watch parties, and TSA-style screenings. Who paid the price.
Marriage & Family
The Marriage Collapse: America’s Most Dangerous Unreported Crisis
5.8 marriages per 1,000 — the lowest ever recorded. The data behind America’s quiet family crisis.
The Marriage Collapse: America’s Most Dangerous Unreported Crisis
5.8 marriages per 1,000 — the lowest ever recorded. The data behind America’s quiet family crisis.
May 2026Read →
Public Health
The Loneliness Epidemic: America’s Invisible Public Health Crisis
Over half of Americans report significant loneliness. The health consequences rival smoking a pack a day.
The Loneliness Epidemic: America’s Invisible Public Health Crisis
Over half of Americans report significant loneliness. The health consequences rival smoking a pack a day.
2026Read →
Faith & Religion
Why the Decline in Church Attendance Is About More Than Religion
Weekly attendance has collapsed from 44% to 22%. The fastest-growing group in America is “none.”
Why the Decline in Church Attendance Is About More Than Religion
Weekly attendance has collapsed from 44% to 22%. The fastest-growing group in America is “none.”
2026Read →
Culture & Media
Social Media’s Quiet War on Youth Mental Health and Moral Formation
The data on social media’s impact on teens is devastating — and we keep scrolling anyway.
Social Media’s Quiet War on Youth Mental Health and Moral Formation
The data on social media’s impact on teens is devastating — and we keep scrolling anyway.
2026Read →
Civic Life
April 2026 Score Breakdown: Trust in Government Hits New Low
Just 20% of Americans trust the federal government. The latest index update with current data.
April 2026 Score Breakdown: Trust in Government Hits New Low
Just 20% of Americans trust the federal government. The latest index update with current data.
2026Read →
Marriage & Family
The Hidden Cost of Divorce: What the Data Says About Children’s Outcomes
Decades of research confirm the toll on children. The data America refuses to confront.
The Hidden Cost of Divorce: What the Data Says About Children’s Outcomes
Decades of research confirm the toll on children. The data America refuses to confront.
2026Read →
Civic Life
Dropout Rates in Urban Schools: A Crisis Playing Out in Slow Motion
1 in 5 students in major urban districts will not graduate. The human cost behind the numbers.
Dropout Rates in Urban Schools: A Crisis Playing Out in Slow Motion
1 in 5 students in major urban districts will not graduate. The human cost behind the numbers.
2026Read →
Civic Life
Leadership Integrity and the Erosion of Public Trust in America
When leaders fail morally, trust collapses. The cascade effect on civic institutions.
Leadership Integrity and the Erosion of Public Trust in America
When leaders fail morally, trust collapses. The cascade effect on civic institutions.
2026Read →
Crime & Safety
Gunfire at the Dinner Table: When Civic Space Is No Longer Safe
Public spaces have become battlegrounds. The normalization of gun violence in everyday American life.
Gunfire at the Dinner Table: When Civic Space Is No Longer Safe
Public spaces have become battlegrounds. The normalization of gun violence in everyday American life.
2026Read →
Crime & Safety
When Protectors Become Predators: The Betrayal of Institutional Trust
When institutions designed to protect us become sources of harm, social trust collapses entirely.
When Protectors Become Predators: The Betrayal of Institutional Trust
When institutions designed to protect us become sources of harm, social trust collapses entirely.
2026Read →
Crime & Safety
Gang Violence and the Normalization of Urban Warfare in America
In hundreds of American cities, gang violence has become background noise. The data and the cost.
Gang Violence and the Normalization of Urban Warfare in America
In hundreds of American cities, gang violence has become background noise. The data and the cost.
2026Read →
Faith & Religion
The Collapse of Religious Identity in Young Americans
Fewer than half of young adults identify with any religion. What fills the moral vacuum they leave behind.
The Collapse of Religious Identity in Young Americans
Fewer than half of young adults identify with any religion. What fills the moral vacuum they leave behind.
2026Read →
Culture & Media
The Dehumanization of Political Opponents: How Public Discourse Became a War
When political opponents become enemies, democracy erodes. The data on America’s discourse collapse.
The Dehumanization of Political Opponents: How Public Discourse Became a War
When political opponents become enemies, democracy erodes. The data on America’s discourse collapse.
2026Read →
Crime & Safety
The Violent Crime Spike: What the Data Shows and What It Means
Homicide rates surged 30% in major metros. The real numbers behind the headlines.
The Violent Crime Spike: What the Data Shows and What It Means
Homicide rates surged 30% in major metros. The real numbers behind the headlines.
2026Read →
Civic Life
The War in Iran: What It Reveals About America’s Moral Posture
Military engagement overseas reflects domestic values. An analysis of America’s moral reckoning abroad.
The War in Iran: What It Reveals About America’s Moral Posture
Military engagement overseas reflects domestic values. An analysis of America’s moral reckoning abroad.
2026Read →
Civic Life
Abuse of Power: The Most Legally Challenged President in American History
When leaders place themselves above the law, the rule of law itself becomes a casualty.
Abuse of Power: The Most Legally Challenged President in American History
When leaders place themselves above the law, the rule of law itself becomes a casualty.
2026Read →
Public Health
The Opioid Crisis: How America Got Hooked, Who Profited, and What It Says About Us
500,000 dead. The pharmaceutical industry, the regulators who failed, and the communities left behind.
The Opioid Crisis: How America Got Hooked, Who Profited, and What It Says About Us
500,000 dead. The pharmaceutical industry, the regulators who failed, and the communities left behind.
2026Read →
Marriage & Family
Fatherless America: What Half a Century of Family Breakdown Has Cost Us
40% of American children born to unmarried parents. The data on what father absence costs children.
Fatherless America: What Half a Century of Family Breakdown Has Cost Us
40% of American children born to unmarried parents. The data on what father absence costs children.
2026Read →
Public Health
The Mental Health Crisis: Why America’s Children Are Breaking
Youth depression, anxiety, and suicide at all-time highs. What we’ve done to the next generation.
The Mental Health Crisis: Why America’s Children Are Breaking
Youth depression, anxiety, and suicide at all-time highs. What we’ve done to the next generation.
2026Read →
Civic Life
The $36 Trillion Betrayal: America’s National Debt as a Moral Failure
Every child born today inherits over $100,000 in debt. A generational moral crisis hiding in plain sight.
The $36 Trillion Betrayal: America’s National Debt as a Moral Failure
Every child born today inherits over $100,000 in debt. A generational moral crisis hiding in plain sight.
2026Read →
Public Health
The Homelessness Crisis: 650,000 Americans Living on the Street
The largest homeless population since record-keeping began. The policies that are making it worse.
The Homelessness Crisis: 650,000 Americans Living on the Street
The largest homeless population since record-keeping began. The policies that are making it worse.
2026Read →
Civic Life
The Literacy Crisis: When a Nation Stops Reading, It Stops Thinking
54% of American adults read below a 6th-grade level. The educational collapse hiding in plain sight.
The Literacy Crisis: When a Nation Stops Reading, It Stops Thinking
54% of American adults read below a 6th-grade level. The educational collapse hiding in plain sight.
2026Read →
Culture & Media
The Trust Collapse: How American Media Lost the Country
Only 32% of Americans trust the media. How it happened and what it means for democracy.
The Trust Collapse: How American Media Lost the Country
Only 32% of Americans trust the media. How it happened and what it means for democracy.
2026Read →
Public Health
The War on Childhood: How Smartphones Are Rewiring a Generation
Children spend over 7 hours a day on screens. The neurological and social damage accumulating.
The War on Childhood: How Smartphones Are Rewiring a Generation
Children spend over 7 hours a day on screens. The neurological and social damage accumulating.
2026Read →
Marriage & Family
America Is Not Having Babies: The Fertility Crisis Nobody Wants to Talk About
The U.S. fertility rate has fallen below replacement level. The long-term consequences for society.
America Is Not Having Babies: The Fertility Crisis Nobody Wants to Talk About
The U.S. fertility rate has fallen below replacement level. The long-term consequences for society.
2026Read →
Public Health
The Sports Betting Explosion: America’s Fastest-Growing Addiction Crisis
Legal in 38 states since 2018. The addiction epidemic that followed legalization.
The Sports Betting Explosion: America’s Fastest-Growing Addiction Crisis
Legal in 38 states since 2018. The addiction epidemic that followed legalization.
2026Read →
Crime & Safety
Modern Slavery in America: The Human Trafficking Crisis the Numbers Cannot Capture
Over 100,000 people trafficked in the U.S. annually. The crisis hiding in plain sight.
Modern Slavery in America: The Human Trafficking Crisis the Numbers Cannot Capture
Over 100,000 people trafficked in the U.S. annually. The crisis hiding in plain sight.
2026Read →
Civic Life
The $12.5 Billion Lie: America’s Fraud and Identity Theft Epidemic
Financial fraud touches 1 in 3 Americans. The moral collapse behind the numbers.
The $12.5 Billion Lie: America’s Fraud and Identity Theft Epidemic
Financial fraud touches 1 in 3 Americans. The moral collapse behind the numbers.
2026Read →
Public Health
1 in 5 American Children Has Obesity. This Is a Failure of Adult Responsibility.
The first generation expected to live shorter lives than their parents. The data and the culprits.
1 in 5 American Children Has Obesity. This Is a Failure of Adult Responsibility.
The first generation expected to live shorter lives than their parents. The data and the culprits.
2026Read →
Crime & Safety
5 Million Betrayed: The Elder Abuse Crisis Hiding in Plain Sight
5 million seniors are abused every year — often by the people entrusted with their care.
5 Million Betrayed: The Elder Abuse Crisis Hiding in Plain Sight
5 million seniors are abused every year — often by the people entrusted with their care.
2026Read →
Crime & Safety
10 Million Victims a Year: The Domestic Violence Crisis Inside American Homes
Every 9 seconds a woman is assaulted in America. The epidemic that thrives in silence.
10 Million Victims a Year: The Domestic Violence Crisis Inside American Homes
Every 9 seconds a woman is assaulted in America. The epidemic that thrives in silence.
2026Read →
Public Health
175,000 Deaths a Year: The Alcohol Epidemic America Refuses to Take Seriously
Alcohol kills more Americans than opioids — but it’s sold at every gas station in the country.
175,000 Deaths a Year: The Alcohol Epidemic America Refuses to Take Seriously
Alcohol kills more Americans than opioids — but it’s sold at every gas station in the country.
2026Read →
Crime & Safety
The $47 Billion Theft: What America’s Shoplifting Crisis Reveals About Who We Are
Organized retail theft has become a $47 billion industry. The moral breakdown behind the numbers.
The $47 Billion Theft: What America’s Shoplifting Crisis Reveals About Who We Are
Organized retail theft has become a $47 billion industry. The moral breakdown behind the numbers.
2026Read →
Public Health
6,398 Veteran Suicides in a Single Year: The Promise We Broke
More veterans die by suicide than in combat. The nation’s failure to honor those who served.
6,398 Veteran Suicides in a Single Year: The Promise We Broke
More veterans die by suicide than in combat. The nation’s failure to honor those who served.
2026Read →
Marriage & Family
18.6 Million Children Without Both Parents: The Single-Parent Crisis Nobody Names
The most reliable predictor of child poverty, school failure, and crime. The data we ignore.
18.6 Million Children Without Both Parents: The Single-Parent Crisis Nobody Names
The most reliable predictor of child poverty, school failure, and crime. The data we ignore.
2026Read →
Civic Life
The Cheating Epidemic: When Honesty Became Optional in American Education
Over 60% of college students admit to cheating. The collapse of academic integrity in America.
The Cheating Epidemic: When Honesty Became Optional in American Education
Over 60% of college students admit to cheating. The collapse of academic integrity in America.
2026Read →
Culture & Media
Strangers Next Door: The Collapse of Social Trust in American Life
Social trust has dropped to 30%. What happens to a society when neighbors stop trusting each other.
Strangers Next Door: The Collapse of Social Trust in American Life
Social trust has dropped to 30%. What happens to a society when neighbors stop trusting each other.
2026Read →
Civic Life
Fewer Americans Are Giving. What a 25-Year Low in Charity Tells Us.
Charitable giving has hit a 25-year low. The decline of generosity as a core American value.
Fewer Americans Are Giving. What a 25-Year Low in Charity Tells Us.
Charitable giving has hit a 25-year low. The decline of generosity as a core American value.
2026Read →
Civic Life
A Nation of Enemies: How Political Polarization Is Tearing America Apart
The partisan divide has never been wider. The data on how Americans stopped seeing each other as citizens.
A Nation of Enemies: How Political Polarization Is Tearing America Apart
The partisan divide has never been wider. The data on how Americans stopped seeing each other as citizens.
2026Read →
Crime & Safety
1.9 Million Behind Bars: America’s Mass Incarceration Crisis Is a Moral Emergency
The U.S. incarcerates more people than any nation on earth. The human and moral cost.
1.9 Million Behind Bars: America’s Mass Incarceration Crisis Is a Moral Emergency
The U.S. incarcerates more people than any nation on earth. The human and moral cost.
2026Read →
Crime & Safety
1 in 7 Children: The Child Abuse and Neglect Crisis at the Heart of Our Failures
1 in 7 children will experience abuse or neglect before their 18th birthday. The crisis in plain sight.
1 in 7 Children: The Child Abuse and Neglect Crisis at the Heart of Our Failures
1 in 7 children will experience abuse or neglect before their 18th birthday. The crisis in plain sight.
2026Read →
Civic Life
A Generation That Checked Out: The Collapse of Civic Engagement in America
Voter turnout, volunteerism, and community participation have all declined. What it means for democracy.
A Generation That Checked Out: The Collapse of Civic Engagement in America
Voter turnout, volunteerism, and community participation have all declined. What it means for democracy.
2026Read →
Public Health
2.6 Million Teens Had Suicidal Thoughts Last Year. The Crisis Is Not Letting Up.
Youth suicide has tripled since 2007. The mental health emergency America isn’t taking seriously.
2.6 Million Teens Had Suicidal Thoughts Last Year. The Crisis Is Not Letting Up.
Youth suicide has tripled since 2007. The mental health emergency America isn’t taking seriously.
2026Read →
Crime & Safety
Juvenile Violence Is Surging Again: The Warning Signs America Is Ignoring
Youth arrests for violent crime are climbing. The early warning signs of a generation in crisis.
Juvenile Violence Is Surging Again: The Warning Signs America Is Ignoring
Youth arrests for violent crime are climbing. The early warning signs of a generation in crisis.
2026Read →
Public Health
One Million Dead: The Fentanyl Overdose Crisis and the Society That Built It
Over a million Americans have died of overdoses since 1999. Fentanyl is driving the deadliest phase yet.
One Million Dead: The Fentanyl Overdose Crisis and the Society That Built It
Over a million Americans have died of overdoses since 1999. Fentanyl is driving the deadliest phase yet.
2026Read →
Civic Life
The Ethics Vacuum: How Corporate America Normalized Moral Failure
From financial fraud to environmental destruction — the erosion of ethics in American business.
The Ethics Vacuum: How Corporate America Normalized Moral Failure
From financial fraud to environmental destruction — the erosion of ethics in American business.
2026Read →
Crime & Safety
Antisemitism at Record Highs: The Ancient Hatred Is Back in American Life
Antisemitic incidents hit an all-time high in 2023. The resurgence of hate in American public life.
Antisemitism at Record Highs: The Ancient Hatred Is Back in American Life
Antisemitic incidents hit an all-time high in 2023. The resurgence of hate in American public life.
2026Read →
Civic Life
The NEET Generation: Why 12% of Young Americans Have Dropped Out of Everything
Millions of young Americans are neither working, studying, nor training. The silent disengagement crisis.
The NEET Generation: Why 12% of Young Americans Have Dropped Out of Everything
Millions of young Americans are neither working, studying, nor training. The silent disengagement crisis.
2026Read →
Crime & Safety
82% Are Re-Arrested Within a Decade: Why America’s Justice System Doesn’t Rehabilitate
The prison-to-prison pipeline. Why America’s criminal justice system produces more crime.
82% Are Re-Arrested Within a Decade: Why America’s Justice System Doesn’t Rehabilitate
The prison-to-prison pipeline. Why America’s criminal justice system produces more crime.
2026Read →
Civic Life
$1.8 Trillion in Debt: How America Sold a Generation a Promise It Couldn’t Keep
45 million Americans carry student loan debt. The broken promise at the heart of American higher education.
$1.8 Trillion in Debt: How America Sold a Generation a Promise It Couldn’t Keep
45 million Americans carry student loan debt. The broken promise at the heart of American higher education.
2026Read →
Crime & Safety
96% of Drivers Admit Aggressive Behavior: The Road Rage Crisis and the Death of Civility
Traffic violence and road rage incidents have reached record highs. The loss of civil behavior on American roads.
96% of Drivers Admit Aggressive Behavior: The Road Rage Crisis and the Death of Civility
Traffic violence and road rage incidents have reached record highs. The loss of civil behavior on American roads.
2026Read →
Marriage & Family
1.1 Million Abortions a Year: The Data Behind America’s Most Contested Moral Question
Abortion rates are rising post-Dobbs. A data-driven examination of the numbers and what they mean.
1.1 Million Abortions a Year: The Data Behind America’s Most Contested Moral Question
Abortion rates are rising post-Dobbs. A data-driven examination of the numbers and what they mean.
2026Read →
Public Health
2.5 Million New STD Cases a Year: The Sexual Revolution’s Hidden Toll
America has the highest STD rates in the developed world. The data behind the growing public health crisis.
2.5 Million New STD Cases a Year: The Sexual Revolution’s Hidden Toll
America has the highest STD rates in the developed world. The data behind the growing public health crisis.
2026Read →
Faith & Religion
The Empty Pew: How America Lost Its Faith
Church attendance cut in half over two decades. The ripple effects on community and civic life.
The Empty Pew: How America Lost Its Faith
Church attendance cut in half over two decades. The ripple effects on community and civic life.
2026Read →
Public Health
107,000 Dead: The Overdose Crisis No One Is Stopping
Fentanyl claimed more American lives last year than the entire Vietnam War. The data behind the deadliest drug crisis in American history.
107,000 Dead: The Overdose Crisis No One Is Stopping
Fentanyl claimed more American lives last year than the entire Vietnam War. The data behind the deadliest drug crisis in American history.
2026Read →
Marriage & Family
40% and Rising: The Single-Parent Crisis in America
Four in ten American children born outside of marriage. The consequences for education, poverty, and the next generation.
40% and Rising: The Single-Parent Crisis in America
Four in ten American children born outside of marriage. The consequences for education, poverty, and the next generation.
2026Read →
Crime & Safety
The Surge: Violent Crime and the Collapse of Urban Safety
Homicide rates surged 30% in major cities. Who bears the cost and why policy has failed.
The Surge: Violent Crime and the Collapse of Urban Safety
Homicide rates surged 30% in major cities. Who bears the cost and why policy has failed.
2026Read →
Culture & Media
Only 32%: Why Americans Have Stopped Trusting the Media
Media trust collapsed to near all-time lows. The data behind the credibility crisis destroying the American press.
Only 32%: Why Americans Have Stopped Trusting the Media
Media trust collapsed to near all-time lows. The data behind the credibility crisis destroying the American press.
2026Read →
Civic Life
Civic Freefall: Two-Thirds of Americans Fail the Citizenship Test
A nation that doesn’t understand its own foundations cannot defend them. The collapse of civic knowledge in America.
Civic Freefall: Two-Thirds of Americans Fail the Citizenship Test
A nation that doesn’t understand its own foundations cannot defend them. The collapse of civic knowledge in America.
2026Read →
Culture & Media
The Trust Deficit: How Social Cohesion Is Unraveling
Social trust has dropped to 30%. What happens to a society that stops trusting itself?
The Trust Deficit: How Social Cohesion Is Unraveling
Social trust has dropped to 30%. What happens to a society that stops trusting itself?
2026Read →
Public Health
The Pornography Epidemic: America’s Most Normalized Addiction
Over 40 million Americans regularly consume pornography. The hidden cost to families and mental health.
The Pornography Epidemic: America’s Most Normalized Addiction
Over 40 million Americans regularly consume pornography. The hidden cost to families and mental health.
2026Read →
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