Should we welcome the Changes in our lives over the past Decade?
“Change is the law of life. And those who look only to the past or present are certain to miss the future.” – John F. Kennedy
The 2010’s are coming to an end and in our super busy routines, we didn’t really find time to stop and smell the flowers. But truth is, our lifestyles have morphed into change – a change that started much before 2020 began! A change that manifested itself over the decade and gradually crept into our lives, little by little – from the first smart phone we held to the first Netflix movie we clicked on. These little things have become such a vital part of how we function and when we think about it – the changes throughout the decade will leave us in awe.
First up on our list is the ONE Network that seems to be taking over the world!
1. Netflix for chilling and binge-watching on the couch!
Netflix brought on the concept of VOD (video on demand), which is new and exciting because you get to watch what you want, when and wherever you want! The changes in the way we are entertained has completely transformed our lifestyles in the past decade. Netflix also spoils you for choices and is the perfect filler for long car rides, uncomfortable waits and especially long days after work. You can now get takeout, snuggle in and binge-watch your favorite shows all of this, thanks to Netflix!
2. Meme Culture for getting a laughable twist on the latest news
In the last decade, newspapers were the key source of information and updates. This trend has conveniently been replaced by the meme culture. There are memes for almost any and everything that happens around us. Staying updated is now easier and hilarious too at times. Not to mention memes that are relatable and show us that there are more people like us out there who go through the same things.
3. Facebook groups for all the advice you need!
Speaking of information and updates, Facebook has made remarkable changes to our lives. There now exists a group for every kind of possible query a person could have. Need traveling advice? Post on the travel diary. Need marital advice? Soul Sisters/Brothers have your back. Need to send stuff to another country? Forget TCS now we have PACKR, feel like splurging? Sheops has you covered and for all those health conscious people – there are countless fitness groups for every type of fitness goal you want to achieve.
4. If you’re not a Blogger/ Influencer or YouTuber – then, who are you?
All these groups on Facebook have led to the rise of opinion leaders as well. There are a number of fashion/ lifestyle/ food bloggers/ waiting to review new products and narrate their life experiences to their followers. Almost every household has one self-proclaimed ‘influencer’. While some of these influencers and YouTubers genuinely produce quality content and are a treat to follow, some have emerged as part of the, you know, getting on the bandwagon too? They’re like the home-grown fashion designers from the decade before – evolved much? We do have to appreciate their efforts though, it takes all sorts to make the ‘blogger’ world go round!
5. Online Shopping for the techie shopaholic in you!
The anxiety and fear that comes with online purchases is gradually fading as there are online portals for almost everything. From home appliances to bridal dresses everything is available online. Since these channels are fast, convenient and hassle free, the changes in shopping trends can totally be justified, but the internet has its fair share of scammers, so it’s always better to be safe than sorry.
6. Extravagant Weddings
Bridal showers are now part of the desi wedding culture which is surprising on many levels. Weddings are in fact now elaborate affairs with a Mehndi, Ghazal Night, multiple Dholkis, a Mayoon, Nikaah, Baraat and Valima. Also, the traditional concept of a shy bride no longer exists. The dulha and dulhan often dance on their own wedding functions which we find super cute and wholesome!
7. Organic Food/ Fitness for the healthy living nerd in you!
This decade has been refreshing in terms of awareness. People are now more aware and conscious of what they consume. Gone are the days where people indulged in feasts and heavy meals. A healthy diet is a new way forward and in this regard, the Keto-diet (and other ways to stay fit) has become very popular. This can be seen by the new restaurants like Pesto, Chop chop Wok, The Caffeine Fix and others that have a Keto-menu or healthy options.
8. Chai Dhaabas for the Desi Chai Lover in you!
The concept of going out for ‘Chai’ has become very popular in this decade. There are number of Chai dhaabas like Chai Shai, Cloud noun and Chai wala serving a wide range of parathas and chai. The combination of a roadside baithak, group of close friends and a cup of warm tea is honestly the best. Not to mention the different variations like Matka Chai, Koyla Chai, Chai Coffee and even Nutella Chai.
9. Instagram for the Hashtag lover in you!
It feels like Instagram has been in our lives forever but you’d be surprised to know Instagram will turn ten years old in 2020! Yes that’s right and it’s also surprising how it became such an important part of our lives. In fact, Pakistani weddings now have special hashtags for their wedding functions just for Instagram. Who would have thought?
10. Smart Phones Taking Over
The introduction of smartphones has changed the way we function, who would’ve thought such a device would be invented which would be a composition of a telephone, camera, TV, computer, radio, alarm clock and maps and so many more everyday appliances. Thanks to smartphones, millennial and Gen Z are probably the last to have their childhood pictures on the typical camera film, ever thought about that?
The meme culture, extravagant weddings and even concept of Chai Dhaabas wouldn’t have become popular if it wasn’t for the young and new generations who are open to exploring new things, becoming independent and knowing, and wanting to have fun. Changes in lifestyle are what the decade is all about – How we go forward from here matters! Which one of these 10 Decade changes have you embraced happily and which one do you still struggle with? Let us know in comments below.
