The explanation, or at least one explanation, or part of the reason, is straightforward. US is getting economically weaker in comparison to other countries. Since it doesn't have the best social structure, the effects of that are felt by the population. Besides, the average cost of living of an US family is too high compared to the global average. This was made possible by the richness of the country, but is not sustainable.

Because of the sound signals I don't think they imploded