Why does it get harder to develop meaningful and caring friendships in today's world?

It just seems that everyone has become wary and distrustful of people around them. I have just moved to a new country that is considered very cosmoplitan and open...but everyone i meet and speak to who also have been living there over a period of time talk about how difficult it is to develop new relationships..despite there being people from over 20 major nationalities living in this country, one ends up meeting with only one's own kind and socialise with the chosen few whom one feels 'safe' with. I find that globalisation hasnt freed the human mind- just made it more unaccepting. Any thoughts?