Agree that media make all that more visible. My claim that more and more ppl are becoming manipulators is based on empiricism: due to my profession and job, I had opportunity to follow how new generations of young ppl are growing up and behaving. More of them adopt behaviors that they are exposed all around them, based on the materialistic and utilitarian values. More narcissism, more personality disorders.
On the other side are those developing other mental issues, like you said, depression plus eating disorders, substance abuse etc.
What you said in last 2 sentences, and a bit more, is what I meant with"empty lives"