A Changing Society: 10 Great Things That Have Been Lost Forever

Change is an inevitable part of life. The latest in fashion, medicine, technology, science, diet and health, and so on. They all transform over time to stay relevant and cutting-edge. As such, there are a number of things that have changed form or been completely forgotten as times have changed.

1. How Kids Play

In the past, children could be seen roaming the neighborhoods with their friends—riding bikes, playing games, or exploring the sights and sounds of the outdoors. From making memories to learning social skills to reaping the rewards of fresh air and sunshine, children often benefit in numerous ways. However, in today’s world, it’s much more common to see children on tablets or phones or not see them at all because they’re indoors playing with their electronics. In some cases, with friends, but it’s undeniable that the way children interact and entertain themselves has changed dramatically in recent years.

Read More: This Woman Quit Her Job To Live The Life of a 1950s Housewife

2. How People Interact

Not unlike children, adults have also found new ways to interact with each other. Many spend time on their phones browsing social media, checking emails, and texting. Moreover, online meetings have also become a more prevalent method for work environments. As such, people are spending less time face-to-face and more time interacting with others on their devices. Sadly, this is often the case even for people who are spending time together in person.

3. Privacy

Although technology has made incredible and impactful changes for the better, not all the changes have been positive. For example, nearly everyone has been in a situation in which they’ve been talking about something with someone, only to open their devices to find adverts for the exact thing they were just discussing. Or products of the same category. This is just one of many examples that prove even with incredible advancements; there is always bound to be at least one downside.

4. Entertainment

Streaming platforms revolutionized the way viewers could enjoy their favorite movies and shows. At the touch of a button and right from their own home. Before that, people invested astronomical amounts of money into DVDs or recorded their favorites to the DVR. However, in the same way that there are ample channels, many of these platforms have begun creating their own content and in mass production. As a result, many viewers have noted that the quality of movies and shows has seemingly gone downhill in the last few years.

5. Clean Air and Water

The Earth was once lush and green, untouched by machines, the air was clear, and the water was clean. However, with things like industrialization, improper disposal of waste, and an increasing population, higher levels of pollutants have been found in numerous water sources as well as the air we breathe.

Read More: Elderly Woman Sells Her Perfectly Maintained 1950s Time Capsule Home

6. Affording Retirement

With the rising cost of living of everyday essentials, fewer people have the luxury of affording retirement. Couple that with longer life spans and fewer benefits offered by employers, and people don’t have the funds to retire.

7. Owing or Owning

Retirement isn’t the only luxury in life that fewer and fewer people have the possibility of enjoying. Homeownership is another. There are few larger purchases like a home or car, that young adults can afford to own outright. Some experts believe we may be on the verge of a recession and that likely means that home ownership will come to an end. Or at least stand still for an unknown amount of time. “Some signs point to the economy being on the verge of cooling rather than running hot. But those indicators also suggest that a hard landing — a recession — is more likely than a soft landing.” Explained Michael R. Strain, director of Economic Policy Studies at the American Enterprise Institute.

8. Free Public Spaces

Within the last few decades things like parking meters and fees for public spaces have become more prevalent. With things places like beaches now requiring payment to visit it seems that it’s only a matter of time before visiting anywhere, including the great outdoors will require payment. Seemingly, libraries really are the only place left where you’re not expected to pay money for a membership. In contrast, many libraries are actually given grants or funding from the government and receive more for having more members.

Read More: Mother who lives like ‘1950s housewife’ believes her role is to look after the kids

9. Values have Shifted

The world is in desperate need of more love, compassion, and generosity. While some people do still make it their mission to make the world a better place, and do so quietly, many have taken to social media platforms to gain validation for their actions. As such, people are rarely kind to one another just because and are often more focused on their good deed being recognized and even reciprocated. Rather than helping others or the world become happier, healthier, and stronger.

10. Granted not Gratitude

Children today are living in the heart of consumerism, where everything is readily available, often at the touch of a button then to your doorstep. While it certainly makes life easier, it also takes something away from today’s children. Because clothes, food, and toys are all so easy to attain, many children don’t value their things. As a result, they also don’t get the same joy that children once got from getting a new toy or clothes.

Read More: 20 Vintage Items That Are Still Charming, Even Today