Do you ever look back on things from just a decade ago and think, “Wow, that seems like a completely different world.” (Or TIMELINE as the internet likes to say these days.)
People online are talking about the “things that have become more socially acceptable . . . in just the past 10 years.” And there are some good ones:
1. Location sharing. It used to feel creepy . . . but now many people have at least ONE app that will show people right where they are. (Not to mention how common it is for parents to track where their kids are.)
2. A.I. This also used to feel scary, but now most people have entire conversations with A.I. . . . even if it’s during a Google search.
3. Constantly canceling plans. There used to be a stigma around “flaking” . . . but now, bailing on plans is considered “self-care” or “protecting your peace.”
4. Photos of your kids online. Not only are people less concerned about sharing images of their own kids, but other family members, other parents, and even the kids’ schools seem less hesitant about posting photos online.
5. Being on your phone, while socializing. It’s now completely normal for someone to be on their phone while having a conversation with someone.
6. Our ability to concentrate (and read) has disappeared. People will often have full conversations based on a HEADLINE they remember seeing.
7. Open, guilt-free cheating (academically). There has always been cheating on tests and assignments, but using A.I. and online resources doesn’t seem “bad” to people. It’s just another, faster way of getting it done and over with.
8. Profanity. Someone said, “I don’t appreciate how casual and acceptable swearing has become . . . it’s everywhere now.”
(This trend is older than just 10 years though. Although some older folks claim it’s much more common to hear kids using naughty language, even in front of their parents.)
9. Betting and gambling. Like online sports betting and prediction markets.
10. Bringing a water bottle everywhere. Someone says, “If we have guests over for a nice dinner, I will ask them what I can get them to drink, and they just plonk their huge water bottle down at the kitchen table. They say that they are good. They’ll just have their water. It’s so weird to me, and it seems like a rejection of hospitality.”