As time goes by, tastes and opinions in society dramatically change. Influenced by cultural shifts, social progress, and advancing technology, many things have fallen out of fashion. You may wonder why people can’t stand these 17 things we used to love, so keep reading to discover why.
Not as many people love reality TV
When reality TV first burst onto our screens, we were all obsessed. However, the market is now oversaturated, and many people are tired of it. These shows initially offered an exciting glimpse into people’s lives, but many current opinions are that they are scripted and offer no substance.
Cable TV has had its day
In 2010, cable TV was the choice for a staggering 90% of television viewing homes. However, according to CNN, cable TV now makes up less than half of all television viewing. Thanks to the incredible number of streaming services that offer greater convenience, cable is experiencing a dramatic decline.
Physical media is now rarely used
At one time, your CD or DVD collection was everything. It showcased your personality, and we all loved the new additions. However, streaming platforms such as Spotify and Netflix have made physical media a thing of the past. Now, the thought of using a CD or DVD is just inconvenient.
Many Americans boycott plastic bags
When plastic bags were introduced, they offered the ultimate convenience, allowing us to carry home our groceries without ripping. However, environmental concerns have highlighted the negative aspects of plastic bags, and many Americans now boycott them. Reusable alternatives are now the way forward.
We no longer love celebrity gossip magazines
In the 80s, 90s, and 00s, we all loved celebrity gossip magazines. They were a popular source of entertainment and a huge part of American culture. For those who still love gossip, physical magazines are outdated when you can get instant news online. Many people also now criticize them for their harmful scrutiny of personal lives.
Chain restaurants are often overlooked
There’s a reason why many of the most famous chain restaurants are closing down. Many Americans now prefer to dine locally and support independent eateries. These establishments are thought to have better customer service and higher-quality menus, while consumers support the local community.
No one likes to make phone calls anymore
Once the primary method of communication, we would spend hours on the phone. Yet, in the 21st century, we avoid making phone calls at all costs. Forbes says that millennials hate phone calls. Most Americans prefer to text or message, finding it less intrusive than picking up the phone.
Shopping malls are not as popular as they used to be
They used to be bustling social hubs that were the go-to destination on a weekend, but shopping malls are not as popular as they used to be. Changing retail habits mean that fewer people now visit physical retail stores. Online shopping allows you to browse and purchase from the comfort of your own home.
Who drives a manual anymore?
A lot of people today will never have to drive a stick in their lives. Manual used to be the only way to drive, but automatic transmissions are easier, more convenient, and more efficient. A massive 96% of Americans drive automatic vehicles, and very few people choose to drive a manual car anymore.
Traditional work hours are outdated
Working the traditional 9 to 5 used to be the norm for Americans, and securing an office position was highly regarded. However, traditional work hours are now outdated, and most people can’t stand the traditional 9 to 5. Flexible working and remote opportunities are now favored.
Landline phones are almost non-existent
Before cell phones became popular, most homes had multiple landline phones. They were a household staple, but the convenience of cell phones has made them obsolete. The Washington Post says that just a quarter of Americans still have a landline phone.
Home cooking isn’t very convenient
There is something so comforting about a home-cooked meal, but cooking at home has dramatically declined. Food delivery services and the abundance of drive-thru restaurants offer greater dining convenience. After a busy day at work, you can easily pick something up or get it delivered straight to your door instead.
Paper maps are old-fashioned
Paper maps used to be the only way to navigate, but they have now been replaced by sat navs. When we have maps directly on our phones, paper maps are no longer essential for getting around. In fact, they are bulky, inconvenient, and don’t offer the real-time tracking that apps do.
Cash payments are at an all-time low
Contactless meant that cash payments were already experiencing a decline, but then came the pandemic, and cash took a significant drop. Card payments just offer greater convenience, and it is also cleaner to use your card. Pew Research Center found that 41% of Americans never use cash, while only 14% exclusively use cash.
Manual car windows are so annoying
There’s a certain level of nostalgia around rolling down a car window, but actually owning a car with manual windows is now just annoying. They used to be standard, but since automatic windows took over, they’re just not as convenient.
Formal wear is no longer a popular style
Although we still love formal wear for special events, we’re no longer on board for daily life. Formal wear used to be essential in the majority of professional environments, but workplaces have relaxed their dress policy to accommodate more casual attire, and we’re here for it.
People don’t like smoking anymore
Smoking used to be part of American culture, and it was super cool to smoke. Today, people simply can’t stand smoking. The constant exposure to smoking used to be normal, but as the rate of smoking declines every year, now people hate it when they encounter it.
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