Is the world becoming a more violent and somber place each passing year?

Answer 1

Yes, I think you got it right there. Wars, civil wars, warring Arab tribes, warring African tribes, the various attempts at genocide all make this a more violent world every day.

Chow!!

Answer 2

I don't think so. I think that violence and cruelty are better reported now(via TV and the Internet)--anything evil or that causes pain is highlighted in the local and international news, so it makes as if this is happening more than ever. Bad deeds makes news, unfortunately.
Good deeds are rarely noted by the press. Most who do good deeds would rather it stay that way--but if you look, there are acts of kindness everywhere. They may be very little ones, like a simple smile to a harried person...but the good can be found if you look for it.
Don't be discouraged. There may be lots of bad news in the news :-D but there is still plenty of good out there.

Answer 3

Not my world! "As a man thinketh, so he is." James Allen