(L) A woman reading the map of a city at a cafe. (R) A stock image of a street lamp. Representative Cover Image Source: Pexels | Anyagal and P.G Who
The way we do things constantly goes through a transition, with changes in technology, culture and more. That's why a trend or necessity that appears quite common at some point goes obsolete without us realizing it. A person, u/Historical_Trifle on Reddit, asked fellow users, "What has gradually disappeared over the last 20 years without people realizing it?" The comments section made people realize how many day-to-day things have gone lost to time and they didn't even notice it.
A box of old things, an old cycle and bags in an outhouse-like place. Representative Image Source: Pexels | Pixabay
A person shared how photos with red eyes that would make a person look like an other-worldly creature have disappeared, while someone else highlighted how the flashes going off in professional sporting events are a thing of the past now. Though 20 years might not feel like the longest time, here are 15 of the common things that have faded away in that brief period.
1. Red eyes in photos
Red eyes in photos. My 5 year old son saw an old printed photo of me from 20 years ago and asked why my pupils were red. Complicated to explain in a smartphone world. -u/guitarrromantic
2. Flashlights to highlight wrestling wins
I used to watch professional wrestling in my youth and caught an event the other day. In the main event, at the emotional peak, one guy is on the mat and the other guy climbs to the top of the ring post and jumps high off of it to splash down for the win. Back in my day, the flight would have been highlighted by 10,000 ineffective but mesmerizing flashbulbs going off some hundreds of feet from their subject. This time? Nothing. And there was something less amazing about the moment because of it. -u/ShadyG
3. The art of fixing photos
Fixing up photos in general is becoming something of a lost art outside of professional studios. I remember spending hours fixing red eye and all the other weird artifacts early digital cameras added. Now, I just let the automation take care of it 99% of the time. -u/zerbey
4. Inspirational boredom
Inspirational boredom. The kind that has you seeking out new things. Now people just doom scroll and are unable to reach the trigger point that sets them off on new paths. -u/Nervous-Masterpiece4
A woman doxing off as she works on her laptop while kids play in the background. Representative Image Source: Pexels | Ketut Subiyanto
5. Blue tint on car windshields
That strip of blue tint across the top of car windshields. -u/schoh99
6. Ownership
Ownership. Especially of apps. One time purchases. Everything is a subscription now. A calculator app wants a monthly fee. A ruler app, yes an app that displays a jpeg image of a measurement system, wants $3.99 a month to use. -u/Hoserposerbro
7. Physical media
Apart from 4K UHD discs I feel physical media has largely disappeared. 20 years ago was when VHS finally went out the door with the last releases and now I don’t really see or hear about DVDs or DVD players that much. -u/Professional-Kiwi176
8. Patience
Patience. Everything is instant now, but we’ve lost the art of waiting. -u/homeworkguylive
Monarch butterflies. In the space of two generations their numbers have been decimated. -u/Titan1912
10. Biodiversity and insects
Biodiversity and a looooot of insects. I used to have the job of cleaning the windshield at the servo on road trips. Simple job now, there are no bugs on the windshield even after 800km. -u/cadburycoated
11. Open and free internet
A free and open Internet. Everything is siloed and paywalled today and we just... let it happen. -u/RoyalZeal
12. Old-growth forests
Old growth forests. Thank you deforestation. -u/mightbemylast
