There's a big difference between the "old" days and the present times.
Back then when you where restriced to server only interaction you were kinda "forced" to at least treat other people properly,because if word got out that you were an asshole,there would be in game reprecussions (Hard to find a decent guild,group declines etc).There was also a metric ton more group content (outside of dungeons/raids) as well which forced/encouraged interaction between players.
Nowdays the game is way more solo driven,chances are you won't meet the same player twice and the only community hubs are guilds.This gives way more air for assholes to act like one.