Thirty years ago, life was different. Things that seemed okay back then are not okay now. It’s like the world has changed its mind. People and places have evolved, and we’re learning new ways. It feels strange sometimes, but change brings growth, and we adapt to the new normal with open hearts.
For example, using plastic bags freely was common, but now it’s not as acceptable due to environmental concerns. Traditional gender roles were more rigid, but today, there’s a shift towards equality. The idea of online education was not as widespread, but now it’s a vital part of learning.
But alongside all of this, there are other things that have changed in us as humans which has left a deep emotional void within our society. We aren’t as trusting, giving and carefree as we used to be. We are always competing, always doubting, always second-guessing. This was highlighted on the social media platform X recently when a user asked, “What quietly disappeared from society over the past 30 years without people noticing?”
You would expect people to talk about more material things. But that wasn’t the case. Many of the answers had a lot to do with human nature. Here are a few responses to this question:
Friends walking into your house without notice or agenda and just hanging out. https://t.co/625aUWqGkN
— Sukhada (@appadappajappa) January 10, 2024
children eating in neighbour's house and spending the entire day with 100%trust.
and everyone playing under the sun without sunscreen:) https://t.co/uasSPG0DKJ
— Ekta Shah (@Ektashah27) January 9, 2024
The simple pleasure of doing this. https://t.co/j6w53f092P pic.twitter.com/onaTK4Zjzs
— Sayantan Ghosh (@sayantansunnyg) January 10, 2024
erasers that look like and smell like strawberries https://t.co/4hFkyHR19O
— sleepy cat || @[email protected] (@iamdatemike) January 8, 2024
Building genuine friendships without any motive? Like, earlier if you vibe with them you keep talking if not you don't force it.
But now we call it "networking" and there's a motive behind every connection. Either they like you or not they keep talking to you (but don't… https://t.co/jJb9tRt6OX
— Swetha (@SwethaWriter) January 9, 2024
Spending summer holidays with cousins. If you are one of the few people who are still in touch with your cousins on a regular basis, then consider yourself blessed! https://t.co/CgqD1lGw0A
— Varadhu Kutty (@KuttyVaradhu) January 9, 2024
Hangout spots where you needn't pay to get in. https://t.co/2Eq6WkF36z
— Venba (@paapabutterfly) January 9, 2024
– Children playing in the neighbourhood & ppl keeping an eye on them rather than their parents/maid.
– Primary school kids taking a BEST bus to school on their own. Other passengers & conductor taking care of them while they enjoy the bus ride. https://t.co/iDR0g0Ccj9
— सनातनी Rinki 🕉️🚩 (@rynkee) January 10, 2024
1. Rickshaws using a meter.
2. Fresh fruits and vegetables.
3. Free, public playgrounds for football, cricket etc…
4. The nearby local shop owner's banter while buying groceries.
5. Picnics to Whitefield. https://t.co/wOrd6wl5sD— Adithya Venkatesan (@adadithya) January 10, 2024
Landlines. Offices and stuff still have them but when was the last time someone gave you the number for their landline at home https://t.co/O2KObhOftL
— h (@jamtoastaurchai) January 9, 2024
~ kids playing outside
~ people being proximate to nature
~ staying humble
~ respecting and valuing people
~ embracing love without being afraid of getting lost and vulnerable in it https://t.co/6WoSbr1ORP— pachaiyammal (@Shravs_Dalit) January 10, 2024
children eating in neighbour's house and spending the entire day with 100%trust.
and everyone playing under the sun without sunscreen https://t.co/kQ7txezoxO
— momnah (@nahmomm) January 10, 2024
Trust that someone would show up at a designated place, time, day in the future with just one phone call. https://t.co/vDF5udqy2S
— Aurindam (@Aurgho_) January 10, 2024
Do kids nowadays visit their grandparents place during summer vacation ?
As in like a month or so, that was the norm in the 00's .., https://t.co/hKK5KOM1hJ
— S (@reversepaddle) January 9, 2024
We are dynamically adapting to new values. But are these better values? That’s something we need to ask ourselves.