In this context, symptoms refer to behaviors that show there may be a deeper issue. They help identify problems in personal or social situations.
Laziness can be a symptom of a lack of motivation.
Anger is a symptom of stress.
Here, symptoms are indicators that help to recognize larger issues, such as economic or environmental problems. They alert us to take action before it becomes worse.
Increasing debt can be symptoms of financial trouble.
Environmental changes are symptoms of climate change.