I agree that many people have their heads in the sand. as you put it they are tweeting with charlie and playing their farm games. I agree most people have no clue what is going on in the world around them..only their world. However, I like the new album (only heard once so far& and was at work listening on computer)
I like the album because it seems fun and light. Does all of REM material have to be political? Sometimes with all that is going on in the world and in my own personal life it is nice to hear a fun song instead of something that I really have to think about. Sometimes I want to be lost in songs that bring a smile to my face. I think part of your problem is that finding that REM is changing and not a significant band anymore is that it means your life is changing. You are an adult with all the reponsiblities that come with adulthood and all the mystery of life and REM is over. Lighten up just a little. Give the album a little more time and try to listen with more of open mind instead of this bitterness you seem to feeling. You may find you like the album or you may still hate it.