“Being Able To Fix Things Yourself”: 30 Things Young People Find Odd That Used To Be Normal

Interview

It seems like social norms change annually, nowadays. It can be exhausting and confusing trying to keep track of how we’re supposed to behave in various situations, but for young people who haven’t been around to see these societal shifts, what they’ve observed is completely normal. We all have cell phones, we all should have social media accounts, and we should all be available 24/7.

Older generations, however, have a harder time accepting some of the changes that have come along, and recently, Redditors have been sharing some of the things they wish would become normalized again. Below, you’ll find some of their most insightful responses, so enjoy reading through and be sure to upvote all of the thoughts you agree with.

This post may include affiliate links.

“Being Able To Fix Things Yourself”: 30 Things Young People Find Odd That Used To Be Normal The art of conversation. Just because I disagree with you on something doesn’t mean I don’t respect you.

epdug , priscilladupreez Report

Final score:

336points

POST

Scott Rackley 1 year ago

Hell, I'll take a well constructed argument nowadays.

102points

View More Replies...

View more comments

“Being Able To Fix Things Yourself”: 30 Things Young People Find Odd That Used To Be Normal Not being accessible all the time. Just because I have a cellphone doesnt mean I want to answer it at the supermarket, or while cooking dinner. Or while driving. Thats cool that my boss checks emails in his tesla driving 20 mins to work but I would rather not. I need a break

Dontgetmurdered_78 , gilleslambert Report

Final score:

312points

POST

blixten1982 1 year ago

Before cell phones, if someone didn't answer the phone we'd just say, "Oh, they're not home," and that was normal. Nowadays, I wish it was just as normal to say, "Oh, they're not answering their phone," and just leave it at that.

133points

View More Replies...

View more comments

“Being Able To Fix Things Yourself”: 30 Things Young People Find Odd That Used To Be Normal Classes in high school like wood shop, home economics, culinary, machine shop, etc and just trade school training in general for those who don’t want to go to college.

faithle97 , baileyal3xander Report

Final score:

301points

POST

sofacushionfort 1 year ago

US: standardized test scores are tied to funding, so no time for skill development (either manual or critical thinking). Kids learn that life is only about obedience to ham-fisted metrics analysis.

100points

View More Replies...

View more comments

We reached out to the Reddit user who posed the question, "What things are seen as weird by the younger generation that we need to normalize again?" and lucky for us, u/Kvassalskaren55 was happy to have a chat with Bored Panda.

As far as what inspired him to start this conversation, he shared that he was just bored on a Saturday and decided to post something on Reddit. "I thought of a question to post in r/askreddit, but I had no idea that it would get this popular," the OP shared.

“Being Able To Fix Things Yourself”: 30 Things Young People Find Odd That Used To Be Normal Can we re-normalize using headphones while listening to music or watching videos in public? Please? I should be able to study on campus without having to listen to someone else's s**t. I can't even go to the campus library without someone blasting their s**t.

NerdyNina221B , dollargill Report

Final score:

300points

POST

El Dee 1 year ago

Obviously not old enough to remember 'ghetto blasters' (yup, REALLY called that) These were extremely large radio cassettes with big speakers played at full volume everywhere from the 70s onwards until personal stereos became a thing. Before that it was 'portable wireless radios' These go back to the early 60s. Again, people have ALWAYS been a******s..

119points

View More Replies...

View more comments

“Being Able To Fix Things Yourself”: 30 Things Young People Find Odd That Used To Be Normal Being able to fix things yourself-sew hems and small holes, fix a toilet or garbage disposal, etc

silkentab Report

Final score:

280points

POST

D20 Games 1 year ago (edited)

We NEED to bring back home economics and wood shop as required classes in high school or middle school for ALL students. This would help so many young adults get their first steps in basic life skills.

155points

View More Replies...

View more comments

We were also curious what Kvassalskaren55 would answer to his own question. "I think we should normalize talking to each other more," he shared. "I think today’s generation is missing out on getting to know people face to face. You never know who is behind the screen, it could be anyone."

On the other hand, the OP is appreciative that homophobia has become much less socially acceptable. "Everyone should be able to love whoever they want without facing backlash," he told Bored Panda.

“Being Able To Fix Things Yourself”: 30 Things Young People Find Odd That Used To Be Normal Not having everything you do in public recorded.

Two random people arguing? Gotta record it.

Bad car wreck? Don't help. record.

Natural disaster? Don't run, stay and document it until someone has to rescue you, then get the rescue for maximum likes.

Deitaphobia , sebenrique12 Report

Final score:

271points

POST

blixten1982 1 year ago

Same with concerts. I don't understand how people can't just watch a concert and enjoy it. Does anyone ever go back and watch their phone footage anyway?

117points

View More Replies...

View more comments

“Being Able To Fix Things Yourself”: 30 Things Young People Find Odd That Used To Be Normal Affordable housing.

Aberrant17 , paralitik Report

Final score:

259points

POST

keyboardtek 1 year ago

Wall Street investors have been buying up housing all over the country just to make money on excessive rents and the tight housing market, which they contributed to making.

41points

View More Replies...

View more comments

As far as his thoughts on the responses to his post, Kvassalskaren55 says he agreed with many of them. "There were a few that surprised me," he noted. "Those were the ones where people said that they were tired of people thinking that they are available at all times. That they need a break."

“Being Able To Fix Things Yourself”: 30 Things Young People Find Odd That Used To Be Normal Having the decency and manners to verbally cancel plans or say you’ll be late in a timely fashion that’s respectful of the other person’s time and effort, instead of framing ghosting people as some kind cute personality quirk.

glurbleblurble , korneevamaha Report

Final score:

243points

POST

sofacushionfort 1 year ago

Being stood up or ditched on a date are as old as dating itself, but the RSVP was a contract that could only be violated at the peril of never receiving any future invitations

67points

View More Replies...

View more comments

“Being Able To Fix Things Yourself”: 30 Things Young People Find Odd That Used To Be Normal Being quiet at the movies.

moonbeamcrazyeyes , jakehills Report

Final score:

231points

POST

hwatinternation 1 year ago

It's still very normal where I am.

76points

View More Replies...

View more comments

#10

Actually owning the things you buy. Having the right to tinker with your devices.

EntityDistance Report

Final score:

228points

POST

Mike Fitzpatrick 1 year ago

Too damned many companies jumping on the product as a service bandwagon and it needs to stop. For instance, you pay (typically dearly) for a option on your new car, but you then need to pay a fee/subscription to use it? Not in this world, that's absurd.

77points

View More Replies...

View more comments

#11

“Being Able To Fix Things Yourself”: 30 Things Young People Find Odd That Used To Be Normal Not having social media. Apparently now not being on whatever sites is a red flag.

prawie_seler , ademay Report

Final score:

209points

POST

BoredPamda 1 year ago

I just respect people who don't have it. I wish I could quit it

80points

View More Replies...

View more comments

#12

“Being Able To Fix Things Yourself”: 30 Things Young People Find Odd That Used To Be Normal Repairing and looking after clothes and shoes!

Green-Escape2 , photogasan Report

Final score:

191points

POST

Maggie 1 year ago

And stop the piles of clothes going to landfill. Throwaway culture needs to cease.

91points

View More Replies...

View more comments

#13

“Being Able To Fix Things Yourself”: 30 Things Young People Find Odd That Used To Be Normal Being able to handle the slightest bit of social interaction. I’ve met some Gen Z who damn near have panic attacks when making a call for delivery, let alone speaking to people they don’t know in public. Some seem to think every interaction with a stranger is potentially life threatening. The anxiety levels in that generation are off the charts.

Eodbatman , lazizli Report

Final score:

190points

POST

Sunshine Lady 1 year ago

I find the introvert memes tendency horrifying and relatable at the same time. Being an introvert myself I understand the struggle, but it seems to me it's getting worse and worse, triggering anxiety if you just let it be your lifestyle.

90points

View More Replies...

View more comments

#14

“Being Able To Fix Things Yourself”: 30 Things Young People Find Odd That Used To Be Normal Knowing how to cook, even if that knowledge exists so you don't starve.

BrunoDeeSeL , conscious_design Report

Final score:

180points

POST

Daniel Atkins 1 year ago

Agree knowing how to cook is a learnable skill you don’t need to be a chef.

76points

View More Replies...

View more comments

#15

“Being Able To Fix Things Yourself”: 30 Things Young People Find Odd That Used To Be Normal I feel like u can't just talk to random people anymore. No one seems approachable. My mum talks to anyone wether she knows them or not. I notice alotnof the older generations are much more open to random chit chat

cgarnett1988 , shanerounce Report

Final score:

178points

POST

hwatinternation 1 year ago

Some people just don't want to be bothered when they're trying to go about their day.

71points

View More Replies...

View more comments

#16

“Being Able To Fix Things Yourself”: 30 Things Young People Find Odd That Used To Be Normal The hustle culture needs to go. We need to normalize working while keeling in touch with family and friends, not working yourself to death. Also, how about lowering house price, eh? It’s a dwelling, not a money making machine.

johnjonjoe , priscilladupreez Report

Final score:

168points

POST

Rose the Cook 1 year ago

A house used to be a home not an investment for profit. It annoys me when real estate agents talk about selling a home, it is the house not the home being sold.

48points

View More Replies...

View more comments

#17

“Being Able To Fix Things Yourself”: 30 Things Young People Find Odd That Used To Be Normal Pensions. The ability for current and future generations to retire.

takescoffeeblack Report

Final score:

165points

POST

Geoffrey Scott 1 year ago

All that has happened is the companies have shifted the risk from them to you. If you can get such good returns, they can too. Of course in most plans you do not contribute. Just more evidence of poor money management on their part, and how criminal underfunding is.

18points

View More Replies...

View more comments

See Also on Bored Panda

50 Of The Most Incredible Shots That Were Submitted To The Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards

French Diver’s “Jewels” In Tight Swimming Trunks Become Talk Of The Town At Olympics

#27

“Being Able To Fix Things Yourself”: 30 Things Young People Find Odd That Used To Be Normal Telephone skills, not fearing making phone calls

Delicious_Magician14 , gabofilms Report

Final score:

84points

POST

Daniel Atkins 1 year ago

Emails and texts are too easy to ignore. I feel it takes twice as long to communicate via email.

21points

View More Replies...

View more comments

#28

“Being Able To Fix Things Yourself”: 30 Things Young People Find Odd That Used To Be Normal Go to the park and join a bunch of strangers in playing a game whether it be touch football, throwing the Frisbee, even a game of TAG.

gh234ip , alexrsu Report

Final score:

80points

POST

Sexual Harassment Panda 1 year ago

Uhh no. I would never walk up to strangers playing a game and join them.

25points

View More Replies...

View more comments

#29

“Being Able To Fix Things Yourself”: 30 Things Young People Find Odd That Used To Be Normal Internet privacy

friendlylifecherry , kaitlynbaker Report

Final score:

71points

POST

Shelli Aderman 1 year ago

It was never there to begin with…

83points

View more comments

#30

“Being Able To Fix Things Yourself”: 30 Things Young People Find Odd That Used To Be Normal Not bringing your phone into the sauna/steam room.

puckmonky , juliaelliot Report

Final score:

59points

POST

PlatinumThe8-BitCat 1 year ago

Couldn’t that ruin it?

64points

View More Replies...

View more comments

Howdy, I'm Adelaide! I'm originally from Texas, but after graduating from university with an acting degree, I relocated to sunny Los Angeles for a while. I then got a serious bite from the travel bug and found myself moving to Sweden and England before settling in Lithuania about two years ago. I'm passionate about animal welfare, sustainability and eating delicious food. But as you can see, I cover a wide range of topics including drama, internet trends and hilarious memes. I can easily be won over with a Seinfeld reference, vegan pastry or glass of fresh cold brew. And during my free time, I can usually be seen strolling through a park, playing tennis or baking something tasty.

Read less »

As a Visual Editor at Bored Panda, my favorite part of the job involves browsing the web for the cutest cat pics, the funniest memes and eye-catching illustrations to brighten up your day!

Read less »

As a Visual Editor at Bored Panda, my favorite part of the job involves browsing the web for the cutest cat pics, the funniest memes and eye-catching illustrations to brighten up your day!

Read less »

What do you think ?

POST

Hannah 1 year ago

I am so sick of all of this "generational divide" b******t. "The boomers are this!" "The Millennials are that" "Gen Z is blah blah blah" can we all just please stop and reflect and realize there there and bad Apples in every single bunch and that doesn't mean the whole barrel is bad? I know PLENTY of "boomers" who are some of the kindest more understanding people around and I e met some Gen Z who would soon slit your throat than give you a kind look. It has nothing to do with what year you were born! It's how you're raised. And truthfully I will never consider myself a Gen Z. I am simply a younger person who will hopefully live to become an old person some day. That's it

29points

Shane Hussel 1 year ago

Once again Generation X is forgotten. That one is true.

13points

Load More Replies...

Bina Wei 1 year ago

Thank you. As soon as some people find out I'm Gen Z they either think I'm in HS or immediately dismiss me as being tiktok obsessed (I am Shorts obsessed, thank you. I grew up on YouTube when I was actually in HS) and a baby. They seem to also forget that some experiences (such as some devices or socialising) are also not deterrent on years but how and where. Rural areas especially have an almost timeless way of life.

6points

David A Paterson 1 year ago

I refuse to be classed as a boomer because the baby boom was over before I was born. I'm a space-ager, born near the time of Sputnik, watched all the Apollo landings live, held my breath at the Hubble repairs, around when the cosmic background showed us the start of the universe, and lasted through New Horizons at Pluto. My sister also refuses to be called a baby boomer, she was born before the war finished.

1point

El Dee 1 year ago

SO much of this is really Boomers reminiscing about their childhood and not realising it seemed better because they were a child. Then there's the inherent criticism of the 'youth of today' I'm Gen X but even I can see that the current generation are the very best of us. Who saw us all through the pandemic doing all the frontline jobs? Not my generation, that's for sure. Who is more accepting of people for who they are? Again it's the 'young people of today' Good on them, nostalgia is a lie..

14points

Irishwoman abroad 1 year ago

I hate to tell you this, but where I live, it was both the middle-aged and young transport drivers, supermarket cashiers, chemists, street cleaners, rubbish collectors, and above all health workers who got us through it. The less experienced younger people need the older workers' experience and stamina, or do you think that a whole bunch of 20-somethings just rolled up one day and took over? Enough with the generational labels, every workplace needs a mix of younger, creative, energetic people, trained and supported by more experienced staff.

33points

Load More Replies...

Rostit. . 1 year ago

bro you are lost. GenX here and we're doing a damn good job. Maybe get off the internet and go see what the meat world is doing.

2points

Auntriarch 1 year ago

Nostalgia isn't what it used to be...

0points

Shane Hussel 1 year ago

As generation x, I agree.

-3points

Poison Ivy/Boo 1 year ago

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

Violet Jensen 1 year ago

Listen, y’all, the economy is shot, corona ruined our social skills, and you can’t be anywhere without spending money, we would way rather be doing things in the world but we’re broke and many of us are disabled

9points

Bina Wei 1 year ago

Well said.

1point

Load More Replies...

Danish Susanne 1 year ago

I used to think our species would die from pollution and global warming, but reading these comments makes me think, the the extinction will come from nobody daring to get to know anyone, så no children will come to take over. I am a bit sarcastic here maybe.

0points

Helen Taylor 1 year ago

Working on my own computer. Before windows, I could ask Doss what was wrong and it would tell me and I would fix it. After windows I could go to Microsoft help and always get trained answers. Now, I go to Microsoft help and they let any idiot on the Internet provide answers. One has the weed the actual help out from the junk.

0points