It's not just the U.S., as if we're genetically predisposed to become more dependent on technology than anyone else. Any country in which the population has benefitted from that country's success will have its people somewhat "spoiled". China is falling victim to its own success, remember all the news stories of how the bike has been traded in for the car. And now there's this next leap in their increased standard of living:
http://www.inautonews.com/chinas-suv...-units-in-2010