For the sake of the binary choice given: Collectivization.

Before the internet it was extremely hard to have a niche hobby and find kindred spirits who have the same interests. 

Instead you would all watched sports ball, which you may have cared about, but not as much as you cared about painting Warhammer figurines.

Now it's easy to find people who are into Warhammer figurines as much as you. Now you don't really need sports ball to find your people. 

The collectives are much smaller (we live in the most atomized time, ever, in history). The bonds you have with your collective are also much stronger, because niching down requires a certain amount of fervor to truly enjoy.

Not my idea really, so h/t Michael Malice who posited the foundation of above.