1500 to 1200, did everyone just get better?

I'm new here and don't understand the scoring system, how the rating is calculated, and whether it's mechanical or has an algorithm that calculates everything. Just commenting, no problem or complaint, thank you.


It seems like a good site too. I created a profile there and play with bots occasionally. I haven't learned how to use that site yet, I'm new here too, and Lichess. It's a good site. I'm sorry they left Twitter (I don't like to say "x," I just like that letter in chess, LOL).

For the first time, I have raised my rating into the high 1600s in rapid and now I've even crossed 1700. I want to be proud of myself, but I have to say, the 1675-1750 rated players I am now getting matched up with are playing terrible chess. They are making dumb moves that you rarely see with players above 1500 or 1600. So once again, as I rise a little in the ratings, I am being matched with higher rated players who play WORSE. If and when my rating drops again, and I go back to playing 1600s or lower, I'm sure they will play better than the higher rated players. This weird phenomenon strikes again!
i think its because chess became more popular