I think its just the internet bringing together all these folks with time on their hands and are not right in the head. My go to description was the guy talking to himself at the 7/11 (make more sense for folks that experienced the world 1990's and before). Pretty much since the 9/11 one its just been one after another. And guess what!? Since about 2000 I hardly ever see the guys at the 7/11 (or gas station convenience store of choice) talking to themselves.