Things We Do Today That Future Generations Will Find Horrifying
We often look back at history and shake our heads at the practices and norms of previous eras. From public executions to widespread smoking indoors, it’s easy to feel a sense of superiority about our modern sensibilities. But what if future generations, looking back at our time, will be equally aghast at the things we consider perfectly normal today?
A recent online discussion on Reddit delved into this very question, with users sharing everyday aspects of contemporary society that they believe will seem utterly bizarre, and perhaps even horrifying, a century from now. The responses paint a fascinating, and at times unsettling, picture of our current world.
The Grind: Overwork and Burnout
One of the most frequently cited points of concern is the pervasive culture of overwork and the resulting burnout that plagues individuals across all age groups.
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The Non-Stop Hustle: Many feel that the expectation to work ceaselessly, coupled with the pressure to be constantly available, is unsustainable. Students are reportedly drowning in stress, while adults navigate demanding careers, all under the assumption that 24/7 availability is the norm. This relentless pace leaves little room for genuine rest and recovery.
The Erosion of Truth and Trust
The way information is disseminated and consumed also came under fire, with concerns about the blurring lines between genuine news and entertainment.
- “News” as Entertainment: The practice of entertainment channels presenting themselves as legitimate news sources was highlighted as a particularly concerning trend. This can lead to public confusion and a distrust of credible journalism.
— u/LetTheSinkIn
Societal Divisions and Divisive Politics
The rise of divisiveness and the politicisation of everyday life were also significant themes in the discussion.
- Normalised Hate: A stark observation was that hate, in various forms, has become increasingly normalised in society. This points to a worrying societal trend where animosity and prejudice are more readily accepted.
— u/Pathetic_Cards - Political Personalities: For many, the idea of individuals making their political beliefs their entire personality, on all sides of the spectrum, will seem extreme in the future. This suggests a hope for a society where people are defined by more than just their political affiliations.
The Pervasive Reach of Surveillance
In an increasingly digital world, the extent of surveillance and data collection raised significant alarm bells.
- Constant Monitoring: The notion of non-stop surveillance, with cameras ubiquitous and personal devices tracking our every move, was deemed particularly alarming. From sleep patterns to impulse purchases, our phones and apps seem to know it all, and the widespread acceptance of this is seen as “wild.”
Medical Practices of Today
Even established medical treatments, while life-saving, were viewed through a critical lens.
- Chemotherapy’s Limitations: Chemotherapy, a cornerstone of cancer treatment, was identified as a practice that might be viewed with dismay in the future. While effective, its tendency to attack healthy cells alongside cancerous ones suggests a desire for more targeted and less harmful future treatments.
— u/Effective_Weekend_63
The Standard Work Week and Social Media’s Grip
The very structure of our working lives and our digital interactions were also scrutinised.
- The Five-Day Grind: The traditional five-day work week, which we often take for granted, was pointed out as something future generations might find peculiar.
- Excessive Social Media Use: The hope was expressed that excessive social media consumption will eventually be seen as a detrimental habit, something future societies will look back on with regret.
— u/SeeMeAfterschool
Environmental Concerns and Consumerism
Our relationship with the planet and our consumption habits also drew criticism.
- Plastic Pervasion: The overwhelming presence of plastic, particularly in our food, was highlighted as a deeply concerning aspect of modern life.
- Sugar Overload: The sheer amount of sugar hidden in everyday foods was another point of contention, suggesting a future where such high sugar content will be considered unhealthy and irresponsible.
— u/BarryCheckTheFuseBox - Environmental Neglect: The way we currently treat the environment was described as a significant failing. The understanding that Earth is our only home and the apparent lack of effort to protect it will likely be viewed as a collective failure.
Economic and Healthcare Disparities
The economic landscape and the accessibility of healthcare were also raised as areas of concern.
- The Real Estate Maze: The current state of the real estate market, with its complexities and often prohibitive costs, was identified as a potential source of future bewilderment.
- Healthcare Tied to Employment: The practice of tying healthcare access to employment status was seen as a flawed system that future generations might find unjustifiable.
— u/Big-Guarantee-3417 - Women’s Healthcare: The current state of women’s healthcare was also brought up, implying that future societies will have a more equitable and advanced approach.
- College Debt: The burden of college debt was another significant economic issue that might be viewed as a societal ill in the future.
The Digital Lives of Children
The way children interact with the digital world was also a point of significant discussion.
- Children on Social Media: The idea of children being exposed to social media from a young age was compared to the historical practice of allowing children to smoke cigarettes, suggesting a future where such exposure will be seen as deeply harmful and irresponsible.
— u/moonperson13 - Exploiting Children for Clout: The practice of parents using their children to gain social media attention was deemed inappropriate and likely to be viewed negatively by future generations.
— u/Flashy_Potential8851
Other Notable Concerns
- “Influencer” Culture: The rise of “influencer” culture was also mentioned, with the hope that its current manifestations will be seen as a fleeting and perhaps embarrassing trend.
- Distracted Driving: The act of looking down at phones while driving, a dangerous habit, was highlighted as something that will undoubtedly be viewed as reckless and unacceptable in the future.
— u/Icy_Inside_7975 - Vaccination Status: The debate around not getting vaccinated was also brought up, suggesting that future societies will likely have a clearer and more unified understanding of public health.
— u/BubblesZap
This discussion serves as a potent reminder that our present is someone’s future, and the norms we accept today might just be the horrors of tomorrow. It prompts us to consider what changes we can make now to ensure a more positive and less bewildering future for generations to come.
