As the world evolves, so do our perceptions and beliefs. A recent social media thread delved into the things that used to be considered true, but now, many users have experienced a shift in these once widely accepted notions. Let’s take a trip down memory lane and explore the changes that have occurred over time.
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#1 Carrying a Credit Balance for Creditworthiness
“My parents used to recommend occasionally carrying a credit balance for a month to demonstrate longer-term creditworthiness and help your credit score. But credit agencies are no longer allowed to penalize you for paying off your balance every month, and this is a good thing.”
Although carrying a credit balance was once thought to be a strategic move for building creditworthiness, recent changes in regulations mean that credit agencies now assess your credit history and payment behavior more holistically. Many users appreciate this shift, as it encourages responsible financial habits without the need for unnecessary debt, proving that sometimes, paying in full is the way to go.
#2 Job Hunting: From Door-to-Door to Online Applications
“If you want a job you need to go from place to place, ask to talk to hiring managers, and fill out applications then and there. Most places won’t even let you anymore… they’ll say “Check our website for job applications” and if you insist you’re going to piss off everyone there as your first impression.”
The days of pounding the pavement for job opportunities are fading away. Many users shared their experience about the shift to online applications, highlighting the common practice of companies directing applicants to their websites. Insisting on traditional methods may now be seen as an inconvenience rather than a demonstration of eagerness.
#3 Waiting for Reruns: The Era Before On-Demand Streaming
“If you missed an episode of your favorite show you had to wait to watch it on reruns. And there weren’t years between seasons.”
In the pre-streaming era, missing an episode meant waiting for reruns, and the agony of long waits between seasons was a real struggle. Now, with on-demand streaming services offering instant access to entire seasons, the patience required for the weekly waiting game is a thing of the past. Binge-watching has become the new normal.
#4 Writing Papers in Cursive: A Bygone Requirement
“You will be required to write your papers in cursive in high school.”
The notion of high school papers being exclusively written in cursive is a memory of the past. With the increased focus on digital communication and typing skills, the requirement for cursive writing has dwindled. Students now have the freedom to choose the writing style that suits them best, emphasizing content over form.
#5 Trivia Arguments: Settling the Score in the Digital Age
“People used to have arguments over trivia facts.”
In the bygone era, trivia disputes could lead to heated arguments, with no easy way to settle the score. Enter the digital age, where a quick internet search can swiftly put an end to disagreements. Many users find humor in the realization that what once sparked passionate debates can now be resolved with a few taps on a smartphone, making knowledge disputes a bit less dramatic.
#6 Always Having a Calculator: A Technological Evolution
“That you won’t grow up and always have a calculator in your pocket.”
The belief that you won’t always have a calculator at your disposal has been upended by technological advancements. With smartphones becoming ubiquitous, users humorously reflect on the irony of carrying a device that can perform complex mathematical operations in their pockets at all times. The days of relying solely on mental math seem like a distant memory.
#7 Smallpox: From Menace to Eradication
“Smallpox being a dangerous disease. It is the only human disease to be globally eradicated using vaccines. On its Wikipedia page, it even says ‘smallpox was…’ and I think that’s amazing.”
Once a perilous threat, smallpox has been globally eradicated through extensive vaccination efforts. Users marvel at the achievement and find it fascinating that smallpox is now a historical reference. The success in eradicating a once-deadly disease showcases the power of vaccines in safeguarding global health.
#8 Learning Hobbies: From Clubs to Online Tutorials
“You used to have to join clubs to learn many hobbies like archery, etc., for which there wasn’t stuff like YouTube tutorial videos like there is now.”
Joining clubs used to be the go-to method for learning new hobbies, but the advent of the internet has transformed the way skills are acquired. Users appreciate the convenience of online tutorials, noting that platforms like YouTube have democratized learning, allowing enthusiasts to delve into various hobbies without the need for formal clubs or memberships.
#9 Cast Iron Care: Debunking the Soap Myth
“Don’t use soap on your cast iron. Dish soap today doesn’t have lye in it, which is what used to strip the seasoning off of it.”
The traditional advice of avoiding soap on cast iron pans is debunked by users who point out that modern dish soaps no longer contain lye. Contrary to old beliefs, using soap to clean cast iron is now considered safe and won’t strip away the seasoning. This revelation brings relief to those who can now scrub away without fear of damaging their prized cookware.
#10 Social Media Oversharing: The Evolution of Cool
“That posting your whole life on Myspace and Facebook was cool. Over the last decade or so it has become way less cool.”
The trend of sharing personal details and details of everything you are up to on social media, once considered cool, has evolved. Users humorously reflect on the changing perceptions, acknowledging that what was deemed trendy in the Myspace and early Facebook era might not be as appealing today. The art of maintaining a certain level of mystery and presenting a carefully crafted public image has gained popularity in the age of information overload.
#11 PC Quirks: Shutting Down Without a Worry
“A lot of PC quirks. For example, shutting your pc off improperly could damage it, you had to wait 10 minutes for the PC to boot up, then you had to know at least some basic troubleshooting skills to work with Windows 3.1, 95, 2000, etc. PCs have evolved so much that it’s not really an issue or the effect is negligible.”
#12 Pluto’s Demotion: From Planet to Dwarf Planet
“Pluto being a planet.”
Once considered the ninth planet in our solar system, Pluto’s planetary status was reevaluated, and it was reclassified as a dwarf planet in 2006. Users humorously reminisce about the time when Pluto held a prominent place in the lineup, acknowledging the ever-evolving understanding of celestial bodies.
#13 Online Dating: From Caution to Commonplace
“Don’t meet up with people in person that you met online. Aka, dating.”
The cautionary advice against meeting people from online interactions has shifted with the rise of online dating platforms. Users reflect on the cultural shift, acknowledging that what was once viewed skeptically has become a commonplace and accepted way to meet potential partners. The digital era has transformed how relationships are initiated and developed.
#14 Housing Affordability: A Distant Dream
“With one (or later, two) full-time working adults, you could afford the median house for your area, groceries, utilities, savings, and a little extra for fun or travel. This is simply not true anymore.”
The dream of easily affording a house with one or two working adults has become a distant reality for many. Users lament the changing landscape of housing affordability, pointing out the challenges that have arisen over time. The increasing cost of living has made achieving this once attainable goal a more complex endeavor.
#15 Taste Zones on Your Tongue: A Myth Debunked
“Your tongue can taste different ‘tastes’ depending on which part of your tongue hits what.”
The long-held belief in distinct taste zones on the tongue has been debunked by users who highlight that taste receptors are distributed uniformly across the tongue. This revelation dispels the myth of sweet, salty, sour, and bitter tastes being confined to specific areas. Users find humor in the realization that their taste buds are more versatile than they once thought.
#16 LGBTQ+ Rights: A Global Shift
“It used to be illegal to be gay, now it’s only illegal in some countries.”
Users reflect on the evolving landscape of LGBTQ+ rights, noting the progress made in decriminalizing homos**uality in many parts of the world. While there are still countries where being gay remains illegal, the positive shift towards acceptance and equal rights is celebrated. The journey towards inclusivity continues, marking a significant societal transformation.
#17 College Degrees: A Changed Job Market
“Getting a college degree results in a good paying job.”
The once straightforward equation of a college degree leading to a well-paying job has become more complex. Many users acknowledge the changing dynamics of the job market, where factors beyond a degree contribute to career success. The evolving landscape emphasizes the importance of skills, networking, and adaptability in navigating the modern workforce.
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