There doesn't seem to be anything new and exciting going on these days.
No fads taking everyone by storm. No new technology everyone is discussing (AI is pretty meh at the moment, especially with the censorship). No new entertainment everyone has to see.
Maybe I'm out of the loop but I don't feel I am. Anyone else kinda feel this way?
I think I see where you've gone wrong now, which is exactly what I failed to recognize for too long.
There is a radical split between hollow, frivolous consumerism, and actual deep, meaningful works. The problem is that the frivolous comes wrapped in shining lights and beautiful colours, to hide the emptiness, while deep and meaningful works often come in very unassuming forms, because the actual body of the work itself is the entire focus of the artist/author.
Keep looking, and keep learning, and you can absolutely find excellent examples which will speak directly to your soul.
When you find truth, it jumps out right in your face. If you've never experienced this, it's best to keep looking.