Eight everyday things that have nearly vanished over the past 20 years
The outlet YourTango has listed eight changes that gradually reshaped daily life over two decades, from red-eye in photos to the disappearance of phone books. Some relate to technology, others to habits and nature.
An author at the US outlet YourTango has listed eight things and phenomena that have almost disappeared from everyday life over the past twenty years. The changes happened so gradually that many people may not have noticed them. They touch on technology, entertainment, commerce and nature.
The impact of technology
Twenty years ago, flash photos often showed red pupils, caused by light reflecting off the retina. Modern cameras use pre-flashes and software algorithms to correct this, so the defect has nearly vanished.
Printed phone books, which held thousands of phone numbers for individuals and businesses, were still in use in the early 21st century. Now a number can be found in seconds with a search engine, so the need for them has practically disappeared.
Smartphones, meanwhile, let people fill almost every spare moment: in queues, while waiting for a late friend, or in traffic jams, many reach for their phones. The author notes that a constant stream of content can reduce patience and take away time for creative thinking.
Changes in habits and markets
People used to buy software, music, films and books in physical form and, after a one-off payment, kept them for good. Increasingly, digital content is now available only for a monthly subscription fee, and stopping payment can mean losing access even to favourite playlists.
Weekend-morning cartoons were a special ritual for earlier generations of children. In the first decade of the 21st century, traditional TV channels cut back on animated series; dedicated children's channels took their place, followed by the internet, where cartoons are available at any time. The author also says games such as hopscotch and tag are seen less often in children's free time, linking this to time spent on screens.
Another fading detail is the blue or green tinted strip at the top of car windscreens, which reduced glare and ultraviolet radiation. It is still used but less often, as some manufacturers opt for lightly tinted glass across the whole windscreen.
Changes in nature
The most worrying change is the decline in insects: over the past 50 years their numbers worldwide have reportedly fallen by about 75%. Climate change and widespread use of insecticides in agriculture are cited as possible causes. Flocks of colourful butterflies once seen in the countryside have become rare in places.
