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

During a golden age, a particular field of activity, such as the arts or literature, reaches a high level of achievement. The growth rate eventually slows down, and it goes back to being irrelevant and potentially replaced with something else.

The pace at which our world moves is too quick to catch up with anything. Humanity has achieved so much and advanced significantly in the last few decades alone. 

The market currently provides an insane amount of gadgets, devices, and tools that help us throughout life. 

However, time flies and the world changes at a fast pace. We appreciate the technological updates that make our lives even more comfortable but also often have to say goodbye to common things that ceased to exist anymore. 

A Redditor who goes by the username u/pachungulo made a post on the r/AskReddit subReddit with the following question: "What are we NO LONGER in the golden age of?" The user received a lot of interesting replies to their question.

We tend to forget about such things and it's always refreshing to be reminded of how irrelevant some things are becoming. Scroll down to check out the full Reddit post, and scroll a little further to read the comments from the original post

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

Cultural Shifts and the Evolution of Entertainment

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

Research shows that as societies evolve, so do their preferences for entertainment, reflecting deeper psychological and cultural shifts.

This evolution often leads to the decline of certain genres, such as traditional comedy, which may struggle to find relevance in today's complex social landscape.

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

Dr. Mark Evans, a media psychologist, notes that the rise of digital media has transformed how audiences engage with comedy.

Studies indicate that the accessibility of diverse media content has shifted viewer expectations, leading to a demand for more relatable and authentic comedic expressions.

This shift can often leave traditional forms feeling outdated or disconnected from contemporary experiences.

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

The Psychological Impact of Nostalgia

According to research published in Psychological Science, nostalgia can play a significant role in shaping our perceptions of entertainment.

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.

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

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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

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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

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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

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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]

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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

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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."

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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.

Psychological Analysis

The decline of certain entertainment forms often mirrors broader societal changes. As audiences evolve, so do their tastes, making it essential for creators to adapt while honoring the past.

Analysis generated by AI

Analysis & Alternative Approaches

In conclusion, the evolution of entertainment reflects broader cultural shifts, emphasizing the need for innovation while respecting nostalgia.

Understanding audience psychology can help creators strike a balance between tradition and modernity, ultimately leading to more relevant and engaging content.