How would you respond if you had to answer the question: what continues to get worse each day? After someone polled an online forum for their ideas, here is what they had to say.
1. The Cost of Living
And that’s no lie. With inflation skyrocketing and wages remaining the same, I cringe whenever I go to the grocery store. One forum member states, ” I don’t know anyone whose pay increases are keeping up with inflation. We all live a lower standard of living than 2019, which sucks.” Another user admits, “My job is to file people’s applications for government assistance. My paycheck looks the same as theirs. This country is broken.”
2. Streaming Services
Remember when streaming services were cheaper than cable and didn’t have ads? Not so much anymore. As one user notes, “Companies are trying to get streaming services to show their ads and are paying big money to do so… We’re going to see as many commercials on ad-supported streaming as cable in the next decade. It’s a bit more costly now, but I have no doubt it’ll become outright expensive to go ad-free as they put more and more commercials in.”
3. Perception of Adults
Another thread contributor says, “Perception of people as you grow up. When you’re a little kid, you think adults can fix things. Then, as you get older, you realize that they don’t fix things very well.” Countless individuals agree that they have found themselves in situations, looking for the adults before realizing they are the adults.
4. Furniture Quality
“The quality of furniture,” one says. “Unless you want to spend $10k, you can’t really get something that will last 50+ years.” This one is so true. They purposefully build things you will need to replace instead of making quality products, and it’s infuriating. Several people admit they find their furniture at estate sales; otherwise, it’s trash.
5. Google’s Search Results
Countless members are fed up with Google’s search results. “They’re all ads —and SEO for relevance seems to have completely broken down.” Others suggest that the content is all written by bots.
6. Housing Costs
Yes, we discussed the cost of living as a whole, but how about the impossibility of affording a home? As a renter, this is the most infuriating thing. I have to pay double in rent to live in a smaller townhome than the mortgage on a three-bedroom home because, and here’s the kicker, I don’t make enough money for the mortgage. Make that make sense?
7. Advertisements
Advertisements. Not only the quality of ads but their frequency has skyrocketed. Someone clarifies, “For example, when you watch a basketball game, they put an ad between free throw attempts. Everything is presented by Company XYZ, has some sort of advertisement connected to it, and is infuriating.” What’s worse is that they play the same three advertisements every break! It’s programming you, seeping into your subconscious.
8. Attention Spans
Between short content videos on stupid trends on TikTok, society’s attention span is collectively disintegrating. People can’t even be bothered to read a 1200-word blog post or watch a five-minute video anymore. Someone shares, “Try getting rid of social media and stop viewing short-form content. Watch videos at least 20 minutes long and more. These things re-wire you and hamstring your intellectual capacities.”
9. Social Media
Remember when social media was about keeping up with your family and friends? Not anymore, as one puts it, “Now it’s all about trying to keep your eyes on it as long as possible so they can show you more ads. The social networks about sharing stuff and the actual content either get acquired or die.” I’d add that everyone wants to be the star and center of attention now.
10. Politicians
“The quality of politicians in the United States. And most of the rest of the world. The majority are power-hungry, money-hungry people who shouldn’t be representing the people of their country and state in the first place. The few good ones are powerless to do anything against the crooked majority,” claims one. I don’t know if it has always been a smoke show, but today the scam is captain obvious.
11. Halloween Decorations
Have you noticed a decline in the quality of Halloween Decorations? Someone suggests, “You used to be able to buy metal gates, concrete and plaster tombstones, and many other creative decorations that would last you several years — maybe even decades. Now all you can get are flimsy styrofoam and plastic tombstones meant to last only one Halloween (looking at you, Spirit Halloween).”
12. T-Shirts
“It used to be that you would get a t-shirt, and it would last you literally decades. Most importantly, in my opinion, the shirt also had some structure and shape. Now t-shirts are thin, flimsy, and formless. I feel like I’m wearing an undershirt or a pajama shirt,” says one. I would say clothing, in general, is getting worse and worse, especially with the fast fashion industry.
13. How We Treat Each Other
This should be number one. I’m dumbfounded by the way people treat others. For example, the comments on anything I publish are borderline bullying. Some have even messaged me, a complete stranger, and wished ill will on me, my family, and my sobriety. All because they don’t like that I included their favorite celebrity or politician on an internet list of OTHER people’s suggestions.
It tells me that people do not read and are straight-up evil behind the keyboard. Who has the time to do that, and why are they so angry? A forum member better explains, “Came here to say that apathy is on the sharp increase, and basic human empathy is becoming so rare I think we need a new definition of what being civilized means. Cause this ain’t it.”
14. Restaurants
Countless individuals agree with one who says restaurants. The nice ones have maintained a high standard, but the middle-of-the-road places have tanked in service and food quality while jacking up prices. Eating out’s not worth it unless you’re going for cheap bar food or somewhere nice. I would add fast food. The quality is worse, but the price is higher. I can eat at a sit-down Mexican restaurant cheaper than at Taco Bell. That shouldn’t be the case.
15. Customer Service
Speaking of restaurants, I am adding one that I didn’t see discussed, and that is customer service! I was a server for half my adult life, and I am dumbfounded by what I hear and see today. Meanwhile, tip jars have popped up everywhere. I’ve had people text messages before taking my order in view.
Although, eateries are not the only offender. It’s customer service as a whole. Even my doctor’s office! The reception is so rude and unprofessional. No eye contact and smart mouths. It’s shocking.
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Source: Reddit.
Elizabeth Ervin is the owner of Sober Healing. She is a freelance writer passionate about opioid recovery and has celebrated breaking free since 09-27-2013. She advocates for mental health awareness and encourages others to embrace healing, recovery, and Jesus.