Section 1.1: The Common Misconception

Many of us believe that our world has undergone irreversible changes since the 1980s. We no longer have to wait for films to hit the video store after missing them in theaters. Long-distance calls no longer come with exorbitant fees, and accessing books is as simple as a click away.

While some transformations are apparent, the pace of change has not been as dramatic as we might assume.

In 1880, the landscape of the United Kingdom was vastly different. Children were employed in mines and factories, running water was a luxury for few, and cars and air travel were nonexistent. A trip to Australia would take weeks.

By 1980, these realities had largely vanished, marking an extraordinary century of technological and social progress unlike any other period.

It's true that many of these advancements facilitated immense destruction during two world wars. However, there was a palpable sense of progress!

Section 1.2: A Look Back at the Future

In 1983, my father installed a car phone—an innovation that seemed like pure science fiction to my eight-year-old self. The Space Shuttle launches I watched on television filled me with anticipation for a future where lunar living would be the norm by the time I turned 48.

Fast forward forty years, and we find ourselves facing conflict in Europe once more. Fascism lurks in the shadows, wages are stagnant, inflation is rampant, energy costs are volatile, and corporate greed prevails. Yet, we convince ourselves that all is well because we have access to Netflix.

The harsh truth is, not much has genuinely changed. The belief in progress is largely a mirage. Most of the technology we rely on today was already conceptualized between 1940 and 1980.

A technology enthusiast might argue that our current tech landscape is vastly different from that of 1980. However, I see it differently. While the programs and films may be flashier, the essence of television and cinema remains unchanged.

How about telecommunications? Indeed, that’s an area of noticeable improvement. My father used to spend £1 per minute to call his sister in South Africa; today, I can call my aunt without any cost.

But this progress isn’t truly free. Who bears the expenses for the smartphone, internet connection, and electricity powering these devices? It’s me. I pay for it all! Just like there’s no such thing as a free lunch, there’s no free call.

Subsection 1.2.1: The Rise of Social Media

Social media was non-existent in 1980. While it has undoubtedly transformed our interactions, it’s merely a modern iteration of older communication methods. Instead of engaging in phone conversations, we now connect via Facebook, Twitter, or WhatsApp.

Section 1.3: The Reality Check

We live in a world where true innovation is scarce; rather, we have merely upgraded existing concepts. Think about your car, bicycle, television, phone, and computers. They aren’t new inventions; they are enhancements.

The more I reflect on this so-called technological revolution, the more I realize it is largely misleading. In truth, our capabilities have not significantly expanded since 1980. We can still chat with friends, enjoy films and shows, engage in conflicts, and witness political antics.

In summary, not much has changed—we’ve just become slightly more sedentary.

For further musings, check out:

So You’ve Just Bought an E-Bike — Why?

Why electric bicycles are just a tedious fad

Is E-Biking Really Cycling?

What’s next — an e-paddleboat?

What Will the Rich Hijack Next — Chess?

What’s next on the rich hit list?