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Things can change quite a bit as the years fly by. Shocker, we know! But the reality is that it’s quite difficult for some people to adapt to changes in behavior and new social norms. Especially if they were used to the world functioning entirely differently for a large portion of their lives.
Not all changes are for the better, however. In an online discussion sparked by u/PrestonRoad90, the members of the r/AskOldPeople group shared their brutally honest thoughts about modern society. They openly criticized the things that are normalized that they believe are actually harmful. Scroll down to check out their opinions.
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#1
A President who cruelly insults others as easily and frequently as drinking a soda.
A President who twitters his followers the craziest things so regularly that it’s become accepted as normal for his followers. One example of numerous tweets: “I HATE TAYLOR SWIFT.”
The more ridiculous and crazy things he says and does, the more his supporters cheer him on.
Referring to immigrants he warns Americans during a televised debate:“They’re eating the pets.” His weird statements and unstable behavior is regularly “sane-washed” by supporters.
Never in my lifetime could I have imagined a convicted felon would be elected as the president of our country.
A President who pardons the criminals who injured our Capitol police officers after they protected the members of Congress.
Never in my lifetime could I have dreamed of a President who would threaten and attack our European allies while cozying up to Russia.
Ray Ceeya (RayCeeYa) 2 weeks ago
Trump pardoned an actual Gang leader who has pretty much been sentenced to life. Google Larry Hoover. The man is a m******r. So much for the "Law and Order President".
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#2
People thinking their uneducated opinion is just as good as that of people who took the time to study and learn a particular discipline. I’m not saying we should blindly accept the word of every professional out there, by all means, get a second or third or even more opinion from other professionals. But no, watching a bunch of online videos isn’t the same as med school.
Nathaniel He/Him Cis-Het 2 weeks ago
Are you saying those YouTube videos proving the Flat Earth are not correct? That is what a secret Lizard overlord would say.....
One of the things criticized in the intriguing online thread was everyone’s obsession with staring at screens “all day.” In many developed nations—where phones, tablets, laptops, PCs, and TVs are relatively accessible—there are lots of questions about the time people spend looking at screens and the impact this has on their health and early development.
For example, France has plans to further restrict mobile phone use in middle schools for the entire school day from September for 11-to-15-year-olds. Their devices will be placed in a locker or pouch at the start of the school day and will be given back when it ends, The Guardian reports.
“At a time when the use of screens is being widely questioned because of its many harmful effects, this measure is essential for our children’s wellbeing and success at school,” said Élisabeth Borne, the Minister of National Education, Higher Education and Research.
#4
Parents letting their kids behave like unruly monsters in public and not disciplining them.
Lola July 2 weeks ago (edited)
We were in an ER waiting room, a child of 4 o5 was running, screeching, smacking chairs hitting things for 15 - 20 minutes. I finally said something about calming his child down as a lot of us were unwell. He got all indignant and said " So what? You want me to beat my child, you think hitting him is the answer!!??" I calmly said " I said calm him down, not hit him. You could try talking to him and explain about inside voices and keep him still." I mentioned he was old enough and I'm certain intelligent enough to understand.He looked a little embarrassed, shocked actually. He did it though and it worked,
#5
Open government corruption. Politicians publicly calling one another names on a whim.
Openly eliminating much needed social programs without fearing the consequences.
Overfeeding billionaires while starving those in need.
OPENLY EMBRACING FASCISM AND NAZISM.
Being proud to be a racist.
Stealing.
#6
Tipping for every mundane transaction.
Tipping used to be for people doing actual service. Waiting your table at a restaurant or delivering food to your house. Doing your yard care. Something that involved significant action or effort.
Now there's tip jars sitting in front of every cashier.
fwiw, I would prefer to just raise all service employees wages and get rid of tipping altogether.
SouthernGal 2 weeks ago
I am numb from so many people expecting tips when they have done nothing special to deserve a tip. If you are my server for a sit down meal, I’ll happily tip you well. If I order online and you hand me a bag through a window, it’s not going to happen.
France had already banned kids from using phones in all middle schools back in 2018. The result was an increase in social interaction, exercise, concentration, and less bullying. That being said, some kids would still sneakily watch videos on their phones during their breaks. Meanwhile, digital devices are banned in primary schools
Now, the line of thinking is that the approach needs to be taken even further, separating school kids from their devices for the entire school day. Many parents and teachers support these changes.
“A young person now spends on average five hours a day in front of a screen, but they only spend three hours a week with a book […] Not only is reading going down, but for those who do read, half of them are doing something else on their phone at the same time. All that is damaging to students’ success,” said education minister Borne.
#7
I was watching a young father on YouTube reacting to Mr. Dressup, an old Canadian kid’s tv show.
Mr. Dressup was playing with a worm and making crafts out of a paper bag. The host said really complimentary things about the show, but said it lacked an educational element. He missed the point- teaching about respecting nature and being creative is just as important as learning your ABC’s.
I think people nowadays are so focused on productivity that they don’t see the value in life’s most simple activities, like digging in dirt and scribbling on a piece of paper. .
Child of the Stars 2 weeks ago
Mr. Rogers once said that adults think of play as a break from serious learning, but for kids, playing IS serious learning.
#8
Recording crime or misfortune with your phone and not actually doing something to help.
"Disembodied voice" 2 weeks ago (edited)
Recording people having medical emergencies and posting it, that's likely the worst day of someone's life and people will make it worse.
#9
N*zis. Open racism. Oligarchy. Misogyny. Being anti-education, anti-science, anti-American. It's really quite striking as much of this stuff we hear/see in the media today would have gotten people beaten or at least their careers ended when I was a kid in the 70s. Watergate, we thought, was as bad as it would ever get.
Just overall being *mean* to people...that was something bullies did, and they got their asses kicked for it. But now it's a culture all its own, and we elevate people who take glee in making others suffer. It's gross.
Earonn - 2 weeks ago
The gloating. People taking their own lives and those who hate on their group gloat about it, and make fun of it. My grandfather fought in both world wars and HE could see the 'enemy' as Human beings. Arseholes doubling down because they cannot accept the fact that they behave like s**t.
According to Cropink, the global average screen time is a jaw-dropping 6 hours 58 minutes per day. A whopping 41% of adults spend over 9 hours in front of screens every day. Moreover, young adults aged 18 to 24 average over 9 hours of screen time per day.
Some of the biggest worries of spending so much time in front of screens include a higher risk of anxiety and depression, developing sleep disorders, and eye strain.
Meanwhile, Verywell Mind warns that too much screen time carries other risks such as weight issues due to unhealthy eating and less physical activity, behavior and mood issues, lower academic performance, less sociability, poor self-image, and even internet addiction.
#10
Children mis-behaving and not having consequences. Now, every child has a disorder as an excuse for being a brat.
Children run the family now.
Lukas (he/him, it/its) 2 weeks ago
As someone with these "disorders" (ADHD, autism, trauma), I hate how there is no compassion shown for a genuinely disabled person who may have an episode in public but somehow these other children are excused. But also- it's not the child's fault. Children are being raised by screens now and it's extremely damaging. Keep in mind I'm 18. I'm not a boomer or a parent myself yet, and I have extreme compassion for parents doing their best, but so many don't.
#11
I am an introvert, but I think things were better when people were forced to interact socially more. People have forgotten how to be polite and respectfully disagree. It’s sad.
StrangeOne 2 weeks ago
It's definitely been normalized to use being an introvert as an excuse to be downright rude. No one is saying you have to pick up the phone every time someone calls, or not feeling up for chatting in social setting. But at least be civil and respectful about it.
#12
Politicians in democracies just flat-out demonstrably lying and there being no accountability for it.
Utility and insurance etc companies ripping you off if you don't shop around when your contract ends. Loyalty had a value but now it is exploited as a weakness.
Concert tickets costing 100s, or even 1000s of pounds. I get that physical album sales are a fraction of what they were, but I don't remember them costing 100s or 1000s of pounds each lol.
Ray Ceeya (RayCeeYa) 2 weeks ago
"8 million illegal immigrants, 10 million, 16 million, 20 million" That number changes week to week and they are always making it up.
What are your thoughts about all of this, dear Pandas? What are some things that society seems to have normalized in this day and age that you fundamentally think are problematic?
On the flip side, what are some changes in modern times that you think are genuinely for the better? Let us know in the comments below.
#14
No failing grades in school. Just passed along to the next grade.
Lyone Fein 2 weeks ago
This is such a disservice to the lower achieving students, who may need more time and smaller class sizes in order to process information.
#15
Ignoring civics and the constitution. Claiming religion and freedom are what they are not.
Geoffrey Scott 2 weeks ago (edited)
And that the second amendment supposes that the founders could foresee weapons that have 15 round magazines, or even bolt actions. When the 2nd was adopted (1791) the weapons available had to be handloaded..powder, wadding, shot, ram it in, put the percussion cap on....I suspect the 2nd would've looked far different. The 1st amendment does not say the US is a "Christian Nation", in fact, it expressly warns against any one religion having sway over the people. As an example, the Shia /Sunni divide should be glaring evidence that a nation using 'the Book' as it's basis invites all manner of interpretation.
#16
Foul- mouthed kids, well under 15, even 10, in public, in your face, with no repercussions.
Even with parents nearby.
#17
Playing music out loud in public, especially when hiking or on the bus.
Power puff scientist 2 weeks ago
i hate that as well but people already did that 30+ years ago
#18
Kids nolonger having freedom to roam and explore
Every now and then in one of the ask subreddits, you get questions like *"Could kids really bike places on their own like in those 1980s movies? Wasn't that just a Hollywood trope?"*
It's heartbreaking.
Julianne Johnson 2 weeks ago
It is heartbreaking. The concept of "stranger danger" came along, and it became not only normal but necessary for both parents to work. So parents made the kids stay inside unless supervised. Most not even allowed in their own yard if parents weren't home. Even older kiddos. Neighborhoods and playgrounds looked deserted. Then society blamed the kids for playing video games and watching too much TV. What else were they going to do? Stranger danger has been discredited, it's almost always someone you know who takes or hurts a child. Worry less about the strangers and more about the adults your child knows. But kiddos are still kept inside, and still blamed for not getting enough exercise.
#19
Mobile technology has led to employees being on call permanently. When I started working, once you left work, your time was your own...
#21
The hatred of immigrants.
Back in the 80s and 90s, we were America. The home of the free and the land of the brave. People that came here were welcomed.
Now we're the home of the oligarchs and the land of the fearful Christo-Nationalists that don't have the balls to accept new company.
We're the trash can organization of what our ideals were back in the 70s, 80s, and 90s. At no point did any president hate immigrants. Even Ronald Reagan was all for immigration.
Now we have a bunch of 70 and 80 year old losers that are filled with spite running us straight to the ground. It's f*****g sad.
I feel bad for so many of our youth that can't figure out their way out of the hatred and mysogony within their algorythm. They're all being brainwashed because they all weren't educated.
Science Nerd 2 weeks ago
The poster might want to check his history. In particular, look at how Chinese or Irish immigrants were treated.
#22
People causing a scene in public. You keep your business to yourself, and if something is upsetting you, handle it privately and quietly.
#23
Parents getting involved in every moment of thier kids playing with other kids! I get that sometimes it’s hard to not get involved but when parents get involved in every single interaction and conflict and they don’t let children try and figure it out on their own I truly feel like children are not learning social skills, conflict, resolution, and simply the reality of life that you don’t get along with everybody and not everybody likes you, etc. On my street alone we have 10 children and it’s very clear that some of us stay out of things or we only step in when it’s a pretty major situation and other parents jump in at every single little conflict every single time their kid is upset to the point where they’re even knocking on Our door to discuss the situation. And I see this play out in public school as well. Kids are actually being completely held back from figuring anything out on their own when it comes to the same thing socialization conflict, resolution and now they’re also being sheltered from any potential risk. They’re not allowed to make snowballs on a snowy day, they’re not allowed to run on the pavement at recess… No running at recess are you kidding me? It’s absolutely ridiculous. They’re just being coddled and overly protected at every single turn and we wonder why even the generation a bit older are entitled a lot of the time, can’t handle projection can’t handle the stress of life, etc.
#24
Men and women seeing each other as belonging to fundamentally different and somewhat hostile tribes. When I was young, men and women tended to view each other positively by default.
#25
Wearing pajamas and house shoes out in public. I'm not talking about a quick trip to the store, but purposefully putting on pajamas and house shoes to wear out. Not wearing slips under sheer dresses that don't have liners ( no I don't want to see your thong underneath your church dress).
Becky Samuel 2 weeks ago
Whenever I see someone wearing pyjamas in public, I'm immediately available imagining them getting into bed in those clothes that have been in contact with dirty seating, dragging on the ground, etc. It doesn't matter whether you claim to be changing them when you get home, that's still what people are seeing in their minds.
#26
Lack of empathy and general idea among young men that the far right is ok, HINT its not!
#27
Kids not being expected to pay attention.
#28
Staring at screens all day.
Science Nerd 2 weeks ago
Is this really any different than immersing yourself in books all day? Does it matter if the books are “serious” or romance novels?
#29
I don't think gambling is a "good" thing. The 'normalization" or forced acceptance of gambling on just about everything is taking advantage of people who have a weakness and causes a lot of problems in lives just so a few (including the government) can make money. Gambling ads can go the way of cigarette ads for all I care.
Nathaniel He/Him Cis-Het 2 weeks ago
I would ban gambling adverts outright. You see them constantly here in the UK, during any sporting event, on every other YouTube ad.
#30
Implying that everybody needs to be in counseling, and that every emotion you could possibly feel, is labeled and analyzed!
Nathaniel He/Him Cis-Het 2 weeks ago (edited)
Doing so can highlight our problems, our deficiencies. Too many "men" are out there believing in toxic masculinity, it is worth talking to them, asking how and why they believe such nonsense and how these behaviours are not appropriate.
#31
Ghosting people. It was not a word we used because it wasn't something you could really do and if you just bailed on someone and refused to speak to them or see them again you better have a pretty good reason.
Now it seems like if you go in a couple of dates and you don't really feel it, you can just cut someone off without a word and it's honestly cruel.
Related: sending naked pictures of yourself to people. Holy c**p! I came of age in the 90's and this would have been an INSANE idea. Unimaginable.
azubi 1 week ago
I rather have the impression that ghosting is now socially accepted. It makes sense: if someone doesn't want to talk to me, I have nothing to gain if they only do it because they feel obliged to. That applies to superficial contacts anyway. If it's a person who can legitimately assume that I'm worried about them, it's certainly cruel.
#32
Not bothering to RSVP. How hard is it to just respond to an invitation? It’s rude AF to not let people know whether or not you can make it. And, no, I didn’t just assume you’d be there 🙄.
Science Nerd 2 weeks ago
Not responding to an RSVP means you will not attend and you will not get a seat at the table.
#33
Finding the misfortune of others entertainment, to the point where videos are taken/uploaded and you can hear the person/s laughing. Yes, people have always been bullies and cruel, but now it's on a different level.
Apatheist Account2 1 week ago
It's just on a different level of public awareness. The Darwin awards have been around since 1985. Candid Camera began as a radio show in 1947, and on TV in 1948.
#34
Being rude and disrespectful. We always had a few but I’m amazed at people’s behavior these days. Young and old, rudeness has no boundaries.
#35
Saying the word bro every 6 seconds.
LakotaWolf (she/her) 2 weeks ago
Oh, c'mon, bro, is it so bad? (In my defense, I live in Southern California, it's part of our everyday vernacular! It's also gender-neutral. I've called my sister "bro" before XD )
#36
There are plenty of things I don't agree with, but it's not because it was different when I was younger. It is because those things are, in general, bad for people psychologically or society.
One of the biggies is the pride that people take in hating being around other people or not wanting to socialize in general. The idea that other people are too much trouble is not good for anyone. When I was younger, we wanted to spend time with our friends. That included a lot of activities like talking, hanging out just doing whatever, shopping, playing games, etc.
That being said, there are plenty of things that people, in general, didn't agree with or tolerate that are well-tolerated now. I'm not gay, but I never was happy with the way gay people were treated or spoken of when I was younger. I don't believe in marginalizing anyone, particularly for things they didn't choose and were born to be. That is something that I'm glad isn't as it was when I was younger.
#37
Misuse of the word literally. Ugh. It's my pet peeve and it's a losing battle.
Ex: "I was literally dealing with s**t all day.". Unless you are a plumber or medical professional, no, no you weren't.
#38
All kinds of cosmetic surgery, Botox, veneers, facelifts, but lifts, vaginal rejuvenation, ,
Also face tattoos, face piercings and other body modifications.
Damned_Cat 2 weeks ago
I met a woman recently who obviously had a lot of Botox and some implants. I swear to you that NOTHING on that woman's face moved except her eyeballs and her lips that moved only enough to speak. No expressions at all. Her smile was just slightly bared teeth with no crinkle in her cheeks or around her mouth. It was sooo weird!
#39
Letting your kids get away with disrespect.
Feathered Dinosaur 2 weeks ago
Since I treat the mini dino respectfully I never had an issue with her treating me disrespectfully. Children learn by imitating you
#40
Intergenerational fighting.
We were taught to respect our elders which admittedly does have it's challenges. Personally I think respect is earned. However I do think that the people before us know some things we can benefit from. Either by how things were done or how things can be improved upon. Also, younger people have things older generations can learn from too.
I think that blaming "boomers" for (enter grievance here) and/or calling younger generations "lazy" (or whatever) is manufactured infighting that just hurts everyone.
Jill Rhodry 2 weeks ago
We live in a decaying age. Young people no longer respect their parents. They are rude and impatient. They frequently inhabit taverns and have no self-control." inscribed on a 6,000-year-old Egyptian tomb. >>> "What is happening to our young people? They disrespect their elders, they disobey their parents. They ignore the law. They riot in the streets, inflamed with wild notions. Their morals are decaying. What is to become of them?" - Plato 400bce >>> "The young people of today think of nothing but themselves. They have no reverence for parents or old age. They are impatient of all restraint ... As for the girls, they are forward, immodest and unladylike in speech, behaviour and dress." - 1274 Peter the Hermit
#41
Not thanking someone for a gift.
Michael Largey 1 week ago
There is always the J.D. Vance exception. (Or whatever he's calling himself this week.)
#43
Guns everywhere.
#44
I feel like people are nosier than they used to be.
#45
People having p**n in the palm of their hand available at any time, particularly from young ages. That is worrisome.
The other is hard for me but I have to accept that language changes: the common use of phrases such as “between him and I.” I have to bite my tongue from correcting people and recognize the tide has turned. Goodbye, objective case! It was nice knowing you!
Mamie Van Boring 2 weeks ago
The p0rn issue isn't going to go away and cannot just be ignored. Children are going to see it at some point. It's one click away on their phone. The only solution to the deepening crisis it is causing is to have a discussion with your children, frankly and openly, and explain the difference between what they see on screens and healthy s@xual relationships, including consent, protection, body positivity etc.
#46
Adults, men and women, being perfectly hairless. No thank you.
AuspiciousTree283 2 weeks ago (edited)
You're free to your tastes, but, please, don't shame us for preferring to be bare. I have a beard that hurts when it grows, so I shave it off every now and then when I begin to feel prickly.
#47
The acceptance of using the word "Literally" when the person really means "Figuratively".
Burns my britches.
People who talk or use their phones in a movie theater. I no longer go to the theaters because of it, and I'd like to see movies again!
The fact that libraries are not quiet sanctuaries anymore.
#48
Adults using foul language in front of children.
#50
It seems that people never “take one for the team” or suck it up and endure a few hours of being around a family member they don’t like. I can’t stand my SIL but a few times a year I play nice and am cordial at a large family gathering for the sake of keeping the peace. Did it k**l me? Nope. It just seems like now it’s all about someone being labeled toxic and therefore I won’t be around them. I am not talking about physical or mental abuse, never should a person subject themselves to an unsafe situation. I am taking your basic “I don’t get along with them because they are a certain political supporter etc. Just f*****g suck it up for a few hours, not everyone is your cup of tea. Get over it.
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What do you think ?
Sarah 1 week ago (edited)
Proposing in public. To do that in front of people who are total strangers - why? Gives me second hand embarrassment. Know people got proposed to top of Empire State Building- nothing original. I came out of Dublin airport to see some young lad in what looked like he was wearing daddy’s borrowed suit … down on one knee waiting with the box open for his girlfriend to come. God knows how long he was in that position.We all had to walk around him with our suitcases. He looked ridiculous. And as I said … why in front of people u don’t even know?
Mreoww 1 week ago
Also, proposing at somebody else’s wedding. It’s awkward and weird and it’s their special day, not yours.
Load More Replies...
Gavin Johnson 1 week ago
Living in a society that’s largely been duped into thinking that every issue, every discussion, every political statement, every part of our communities are based on binary choices and polarised opinions. It them vs us, it’s good vs bad, it’s men vs women, we are right they are wrong. There’s no room for compromise or understanding, there’s no attempt to find common ground to work from, there’s no space to allow nuances to be discussed, no one seeking a path to reconciliation or trying to find people who will come together and talk. It saddens me that those who shout about being patriots are unable to understand that there are patriots who aren’t their skin colour, or s*x, or who share their political beliefs. If there’s a difference then the arguing is just around the corner and it’ll be I’m right, you are wrong. Sad, so very sad.
CatD 1 week ago
It's hard to find common ground with someone who literally believes my son shouldn't exist, or my daughter should stay pregnant if she's ràped. Conservatives want to take our rights away!
Load More Replies... Sarah 1 week ago (edited)
Proposing in public. To do that in front of people who are total strangers - why? Gives me second hand embarrassment. Know people got proposed to top of Empire State Building- nothing original. I came out of Dublin airport to see some young lad in what looked like he was wearing daddy’s borrowed suit … down on one knee waiting with the box open for his girlfriend to come. God knows how long he was in that position.We all had to walk around him with our suitcases. He looked ridiculous. And as I said … why in front of people u don’t even know?
Mreoww 1 week ago
Also, proposing at somebody else’s wedding. It’s awkward and weird and it’s their special day, not yours.
Load More Replies... Gavin Johnson 1 week ago
Living in a society that’s largely been duped into thinking that every issue, every discussion, every political statement, every part of our communities are based on binary choices and polarised opinions. It them vs us, it’s good vs bad, it’s men vs women, we are right they are wrong. There’s no room for compromise or understanding, there’s no attempt to find common ground to work from, there’s no space to allow nuances to be discussed, no one seeking a path to reconciliation or trying to find people who will come together and talk. It saddens me that those who shout about being patriots are unable to understand that there are patriots who aren’t their skin colour, or s*x, or who share their political beliefs. If there’s a difference then the arguing is just around the corner and it’ll be I’m right, you are wrong. Sad, so very sad.
CatD 1 week ago
It's hard to find common ground with someone who literally believes my son shouldn't exist, or my daughter should stay pregnant if she's ràped. Conservatives want to take our rights away!
Load More Replies... You May Like “Gauchos”: 50 Forgotten Fashion Trends That People Never Want To See Again Someone Online Wondered What Disgusting Things People Do And 30 People Told Them
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