In Lord of the Flies, why does Ralph say that the island is getting worse and worse?

In chapter 8, the society the boys have attempted to construct on the island really begins to fall apart. Because of the "beast from air" which Ralph has now observed (somewhat) upon the mountain, Ralph believes they can no longer have a signal fire, which means their chances of being rescued become significantly reduced. He says at the beginning of the chapter, "We're beaten." Jack tries to lead a rebellion against Ralph and calls for a vote to depose him as chief. However, when the boys don't vote the way Jack wants, Jack says he is "not going to play any longer" and leaves the group. Most of the bigger boys end up following him.

Piggy has the idea of keeping the signal fire going down on the beach, but with their smaller group, they find it difficult to keep it going. Piggy in this section is becoming more dominant, as is Simon, and Ralph becomes frustrated with himself for not being able to think more clearly, more "like a grownup." This is where he thinks that the island is becoming "worse and worse." He also recognizes fear within himself--not of the beast he has seen, but from the understanding that without the fire, they may never be rescued. And he is beginning to understand, like Simon, that there is something inside the boys themselves that is leading them toward doom. He asks Piggy, "Can't they see? Can't they understand?" He recognizes an apathy growing within himself, as well. He senses the disintegration of their society and feels powerless to resist it.