Things That Are No Longer In Their Golden Age And Could Potentially Disappear From Our Lives In The Future

Some things fade quietly, even when they once felt untouchable. From shopping malls to CDs, plenty of everyday staples have already slipped out of their prime, and people online are noticing the shift.

That was the focus of a Reddit thread started by u/pachungulo in r/AskReddit, where users were asked what we are no longer in the golden age of.

Some of the answers are obvious, others are surprisingly specific, but all of them say something about where things seem to be headed next. Read on.

1. "Reason, we are quickly devolving back into the Dark Ages where superstitions ran wild and the clergy dictated what is “truth”"

--Dr. Terri Orbuch, a relationship researcher and author, emphasizes that "the golden age of relationships is shifting, as technology changes how we connect." She notes that many traditional forms of communication are being replaced by digital interactions, which can impact the depth of our connections. As we navigate this new landscape, it's essential to adapt and find ways to maintain meaningful relationships in a digital world.

daysoftheyear

2. Ownership.

I feel like we all just rent, borrow, stream, digital download, or straight up just consume and rebuy low quality products.

--truci

Glenn Carstens-Peters

3. "Shopping Malls, they are super dead and getting a little deader every day"

--yitawo2335

Wendy Wei

A cultural psychologist at UCLA describes how changing societal values influence the popularity of different entertainment forms.

4. Journalism

--Liz Weston, financial columnist

"It's crucial for future generations to develop critical thinking skills to differentiate between credible news and sensationalized content, or they risk being misled."

--Tony Robbins, life coach

CineDirektor FILMS

5. Streaming

"For a brief period, the convenience of having all our media on a couple of platforms felt revolutionary. However, as Dr. Tal Ben-Shahar, happiness researcher at talbenshahar.com, notes, 'The proliferation of choices can lead to decision fatigue, making it harder for us to enjoy what we have.' The fragmentation of media platforms has indeed redefined our viewing habits, offering on-demand access but also complicating our media consumption." John Schnobrich

6. "Democracy/Governance"

Government for the people by the people has slowly slipped away due to the overwhelming influence of money and power in politics. As noted by Dr. Adam Grant, an organizational psychologist, "When power is concentrated in the hands of a few, it often leads to corruption and a disconnect from the needs of the populace." This sentiment reflects a growing concern that elections may no longer hold the significance they once did, as the system appears increasingly rigged against genuine representation.--Dr. Adam Grant, Organizational PsychologistArnaud Jaegers

The transformation of comedy in the digital age highlights a significant shift in audience engagement. As diverse media content becomes more accessible, viewers are now seeking comedic expressions that resonate with their personal experiences. This evolving expectation has rendered traditional comedic forms increasingly outdated, as they struggle to connect with audiences who crave authenticity and relatability. The rapid pace of change in media consumption suggests that if traditional comedy does not adapt, it risks becoming irrelevant in a landscape that values immediacy and personal connection.

7. "Architecture."

"In the UK, there is a growing concern about the lack of character in modern housing developments. We need to prioritize locally sourced materials and thoughtful community layouts rather than the soulless cookie-cutter homes that dominate the landscape," says Dr. Kristin Neff, a leading researcher in self-compassion, emphasizing the importance of creating environments that foster community and well-being. "Architecture should reflect the values and identity of the community it serves," she adds. For more insights, visit her website at self-compassion.org.cloverdx

8. "The middle class worker."

Wages relative to inflation have stagnated for years, and the wealth gap is growing faster than ever. Financial expert Suze Orman states, "The wealth gap is not just a number; it represents the disparity in opportunity and access to resources." This wealth has been leveraged to further tilt the scales in favor of those with means, accelerating the trend. Moreover, the dismantling of protections and the creation of even more inequalities through law are exacerbated by technology. Automation, as noted by Clayton Christensen, "is poised to concentrate wealth even further among those who have the resources to develop and deploy these new technologies."fauxels

9. "Internet for sure."

In today's digital landscape, the internet has become increasingly centralized, with a significant portion of traffic directed to a select few platforms. This shift has led many to yearn for the days of forums and personal websites. Dr. Susan David, an emotional agility expert, notes, "The richness of human connection often thrives in diverse, decentralized spaces where individual voices can be heard." For those looking to rekindle that sense of community, exploring personal webpages and niche forums could be a step in the right direction. -- Dr. Susan DavidPixabay

Nostalgic feelings often arise as people reflect on 'golden ages' of entertainment, which can create a longing for the past and a sense of loss for what once was.

This psychological phenomenon highlights the importance of context and memory in shaping our preferences and experiences with media.

Speaking of “old masters,” check out the portraits that acted like the original influencer content.

10. "Neighborhoods full of kids. I think the 90’s were peak."

--Dr. Michele Gelfand, cultural psychologist states, "As society evolves, certain traditions and practices may fade away, reflecting our changing values and priorities." This sentiment is echoed by Dr. Daniel Kahneman, behavioral economist, who emphasizes that "the rapid pace of technological advancement often leads to the obsolescence of once-cherished norms." As we navigate this transformation, it is crucial to recognize the potential disappearance of elements that once defined our golden age.

Annie Spratt

11. Mobile games.

"As a gamer, I find the current state of mobile gaming to be quite disappointing," says Dr. Jonathan Haidt, social psychologist and author. "The prevalence of microtransactions and ads detracts from the gaming experience." "Many mobile games are now designed more for profit than for player enjoyment," adds Dr. Laurie Santos, psychology professor and expert in human behavior. "This shift could lead to a decline in the quality of games available."

-- Dr. Jonathan Haidt, Dr. Laurie Santos

Pexels

12. Society.

It's no longer about community and looking out for your neighbour. It's now normalised that to think "Screw everyone else, as long I get what I want".

--Mongorize

istockphoto

To navigate the decline of certain entertainment forms, creators can leverage nostalgia while innovating to meet current audience demands.

By blending familiar elements with modern narratives, artists can create content that resonates with both older and newer generations.

Additionally, engaging audiences in discussions about their preferences can provide valuable insights into evolving tastes.

13. Gig economy.

There was a brief moment when Airbnb and Uber were seen as affordable, innovative, and transformative. As Dr. Jonathan Haidt, social psychologist, notes, "The initial excitement of new services often fades as they become mainstream, leading to a loss of their unique appeal."

--Dr. Jonathan Haidt

Pexels

14. China tea sets.

--Dr. William Doherty, family therapist

"Many heirlooms, like Persian carpets and antique furniture, once held significant value and were cherished across generations. However, as tastes evolve, these items may lose their appeal and worth," notes Dr. Doherty. "It's crucial to recognize that the emotional value of such items often outweighs their market price.""My grandmother had a collection of Persian carpets valued at $50,000 in the 1970s. After her passing, they were discarded rather than sold, illustrating the shift in value perception," a family member shared.

--Farnoosh Torabi, financial expert

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15. "Comedy movies. Honestly, what's the last blockbuster comedy movie you saw in a packed theater?"

--turns31

Unsplash

16. Fishing.

We've [took out] so many fish it's a f*****g tragedy. By some estimates we've [took out] 90% of the world's shark population alone. Reading old books and running into offhand comments about fishing is depressing as hell.I love seafood, but we need like a decade-long commercial fishing hiatus followed by much stricter limits and better regulations. There are a bunch of really dumb rules right now; bycatch is wasted, for example. Let's get by on sport-caught and farmed seafood for a while and let the fishes come back.Fishing now is nothing whatever like it was even fifty years ago. A century ago it was like another planet. And this is coming from a kiteboarder, somebody to whom sharks are a genuine threat.

--kavek88916

Unsplash

17. YouTube.

--Tony Robbins, life coach

"In today's fast-paced world, many people feel overwhelmed by the constant barrage of information and suggestions, leading to a sense of stagnation in their choices," says Robbins. "It's essential to curate your experiences and seek out diverse options to keep life exciting."

--Dr. Michele Gelfand, cultural psychologist

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18. Radio

--Dr. Daniel Goleman

"The rise of technology has transformed our communication, but it has also led to a decline in deep, meaningful interactions."Dr. Kelly McGonigal states, "Our reliance on digital platforms can diminish our emotional resilience and connection."Simon Sinek notes, "In the pursuit of efficiency, we risk losing the essence of human interaction."

--[deleted]

Unsplash

19. "Halloween trick or treating."

"In recent years, I've noticed a significant decline in community engagement during holidays. Where I once saw 25-50 children at my door for trick-or-treating, now I’m lucky to see 10. This shift reflects broader societal changes in how families interact and celebrate," says Dr. Michele Gelfand, cultural psychologist and author of "Rule Makers, Rule Breakers."

--Dr. Michele Gelfand

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20. House ownership

--Daniel Pink, author

"Investing in real estate has historically been a strong move for long-term wealth building," says Pink, emphasizing the importance of timing and market conditions.

--Suze Orman, financial advisor

Pexels

21. CDs

--Dr. John Gottman, marriage researcher, states, "The decline of physical media reflects a broader shift in how we consume content, moving towards digital formats that prioritize convenience over tangible experiences."

Physical media in general

--Dr. Angela Duckworth, character researcher, adds, "As we embrace digital solutions, we may lose the depth of engagement that physical media once provided, which can impact our emotional connections."

Flickr

Well, this was eye-opening. And heartbreaking.

A lot of things are not like they used to be, but that's just part of life. We will have new things that will also get to have their golden age, and then potentially disappear from our lives entirely.

If you enjoyed reading this, make sure to check out similar content on our platform.

The article highlights the crucial interplay between entertainment's evolution and cultural shifts, underscoring that as we move further away from the golden ages of various art forms, the need for innovation becomes paramount. The rapid pace of change in our society demands that creators not only embrace fresh ideas but also acknowledge the nostalgia that audiences hold for past achievements. This balance between honoring tradition and adapting to modern sensibilities is essential for producing content that resonates with today’s viewers and remains relevant in an increasingly fast-paced world.

“Good old days” weren’t so safe, see how your grandparents lived in those vintage photos.