Cultural norms are changing all the time, and that’s (usually) a good thing.
As we evolve more as human beings, we hopefully become more open-minded, accepting, and considerate of the people and world around us. That’s why, even though these things are totally normal right now, they’ll be considered incredibly rude or even totally unacceptable in 20 years or so — here’s hoping, anyway!
1. Constantly checking your smartphone in social situations
Right now, it’s pretty normal to see a group of friends all glued to their phones. But in 20 years? This might be seen as downright rude. Future folks might look back and wonder how we missed out on so much face-to-face interaction. They’ll probably have some fancy tech that makes our smartphone addiction look quaint and outdated.
2. Using single-use plastics without a second thought
Source: Unsplash Grabbing that plastic straw or tossing out another water bottle is still commonplace for many. Fast forward two decades, and this might be viewed as environmental negligence. Future generations might shake their heads at how carelessly we contributed to plastic pollution. They’ll probably have some eco-friendly alternatives that make our current efforts look like child’s play.
3. Driving petrol-powered cars
Cruising around in your gas-guzzler is still the norm for most people. But in 20 years? You might as well be riding a dinosaur. With climate change concerns and advancing technology, future folks might view our love affair with petrol as a dirty habit of the past. They’ll probably zip around in vehicles we can’t even imagine yet.
4. Posting every detail of your life on social media
Sharing your breakfast, your workout, your night out — it’s all par for the course now. But future generations might see this constant oversharing as a bizarre breach of privacy. They might wonder why we were so eager to put our whole lives on display for the world to see. Privacy might make a big comeback in ways we can’t predict.
5. Eating meat from factory farms
Chowing down on mass-produced meat is still widely accepted. But with growing concerns about animal welfare and environmental impact, this might become a big no-no in the future. Plant-based alternatives or lab-grown meat might become the norm, making our current practices seem outdated and cruel.
6. Using gender-specific language in professional settings
“Hey guys” or “Dear Sir/Madam” — these phrases are still pretty common. But in 20 years, using gendered language might be seen as old-fashioned at best, and offensive at worst. Future folks might have evolved to use more inclusive language that we can’t even imagine right now.
7. Wasting food without composting
Tossing out those leftovers or vegetable scraps is still pretty normal for many. But in a couple of decades, not composting might be viewed as wasteful and environmentally irresponsible. Future generations might have super-efficient composting systems that make our current efforts look primitive.
8. Having a poor understanding of mental health
We’re making strides, but mental health stigma still exists. In 20 years, our current level of mental health awareness might be seen as woefully inadequate. Future folks might wonder how we functioned without a more comprehensive understanding and acceptance of mental health issues.
9. Using non-renewable energy sources at home
Many homes still run on fossil fuels without a second thought. But in the future, this might be seen as incredibly wasteful. Solar panels, wind turbines, or energy sources we haven’t even discovered yet might be the norm, making our current energy use seem prehistoric.
10. Overworking and glorifying “hustle culture”
Working long hours and bragging about your lack of sleep is still seen as admirable in some circles. But future generations might view this as a harmful relic of the past. They might prioritise work-life balance in ways we’re only starting to grasp now.
11. Using AI without ethical considerations
We’re diving head first into AI technology without always considering the ethical implications. In 20 years, this might be seen as recklessly naive. Future folks might have strict AI ethics guidelines that make our current use seem careless and short-sighted.
12. Ignoring digital privacy
Many of us click “accept” on privacy policies without a second thought. But in the future, this cavalier attitude towards our digital data might be seen as dangerously irresponsible. Future generations might have a much more nuanced understanding of digital rights and privacy.
13. Fast fashion and disposable clothing
Buying cheap clothes and tossing them after a few wears is still pretty common. But in 20 years, this might be viewed as incredibly wasteful. Sustainable fashion and long-lasting, multi-functional garments might become the norm, making our current habits seem frivolous.
14. Neglecting financial literacy
Many people still graduate school without basic financial knowledge. In the future, this might be seen as a major educational failure. Financial literacy might become a crucial part of education, making our current lack of focus on it seem short-sighted.
15. Using outdated gender roles in relationships and parenting
Source: Unsplash While we’re making progress, many still cling to traditional gender roles at home. In 20 years, this might be viewed as regressive and limiting. Future generations might have much more fluid ideas about gender roles in relationships and child-rearing, making our current norms seem old-fashioned.
