We've all heard the saying, 'Old is gold,' but let's be honest—not everything from the past is worth holding onto. From outdated mindsets at work to cringe-worthy beauty hacks, some old habits need to fade away. Especially the ones that create havoc in our modern-day lives.Sparked by a discussion from u/Soren-J, the r/AskReddit community shared their opinions on the most damaging trends from our past. Pandas, let’s take an eye-opening dive into those stubborn trends that might just have you rethinking a few of your own habits!
Nostalgia is a very strong feeling. It can make us yearn for “the good old days” when life appeared simpler and trends carried a certain charm. However, just because something was popular decades ago doesn’t mean it’s beneficial—or even safe—today.
We find it easy to romanticize the past, especially when we’re bombarded with images of iconic fashion, vintage cars, and classic films. But beneath the surface of these seemingly idyllic times lie trends and behaviors that are better left behind.
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Smoking is a prime example. In the mid-20th century, smoking was not only widespread but also seen as something glamorous. In films, actors puffed away on-screen, and cigarette ads promised things like sophistication and health benefits.
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Today, we know better: smoking is a leading cause of preventable death worldwide.
Another example is workplace safety—or the lack thereof. There was a time when workers in factories and construction sites operated without protective gear.
Helmets, gloves, and respiratory masks were seen as mere options by many people. This resulted in numerous injuries that led to chronic ailments and loss of life, which could otherwise have been avoided.
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Today’s emphasis on safety gear and regulations isn’t just bureaucratic red tape but an important development that shields workers from harm. Yet, some still cling to the outdated notion that "toughness" is more important than safety.
ADVERTISEMENT Prison industrial complex
People think locking up criminals makes you safer. But more than half of prisoners have untreated trauma and mental illness that is not being addressed in prison and is often made worse. Long term we need a restorative system not punitive if people actually want to be safer. Instead people prefer the illusion of safety, using criminality as a scapegoat.
Meanwhile, solve rates for violent crimes remains exceedingly low. BakedBrie26
During the 1950s and 1960s, extreme dieting was often presented as the path to beauty. As a result, women felt compelled to starve themselves to fit into tiny waists. This led to a rise in eating disorders, a problem that continues to affect many people today.
While modern movements toward body acceptance are helping to combat these harmful ideals, the ghosts of past beauty standards still linger.
Not all trends from the past are bad, of course. Some, like sustainable living practices, have made a much-needed comeback. In the past, people reused items, conserved resources, and lived more in harmony with nature.
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Today, as we face environmental crises, these old practices are proving invaluable. The popularity of farmers’ markets show that not everything from the past should be discarded—sometimes, the old ways are the best ways.
Feeling like we need to be someone we're not in order to find a partner. projectchango Men and boys being told boys don't cry, to man up, to suppress their emotions. Legitimate-Wheel-507
Another positive trend is community living. Decades ago, it was common for neighborhoods to be close-knit, with people relying on one another for support. In recent years, we’ve seen a revival of this sense of community, whether through online groups or local initiatives.
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Being blind followers of any political, religious sect. Wood_to_dust
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As we look back on the past, it’s important to recognize that not all trends are worth reviving. By understanding the impact of past trends, we can make informed choices about which ones to bring into the future—and which ones to leave behind.
For instance, these posts should definitely be left in the past. What do you think? Is there any trend from the past you don’t particularly like?
Social media use and the effect on mental health. bld5145 Going broke to have an extravagant marriage and spending said money on things that ultimately dont really matter during your wedding. Im at an age now where people around me start marrying and my bf and I are actively keeping a list of things we missed or need to avoid for our own eventual marriage. ElysianForestWitch ADVERTISEMENT Buying pets online/through non-certified breeders. CuriousLavender Private health insurance. We (the United States) pay more for our insurance (like, _double_) for worse outcomes and lowered life expectancies. vbfronkis
Spanking children. CartographerKey7322 ADVERTISEMENT Demonizing certain foods (i.e. carbs, fats, sugar, etc). Moderation seems to be a rarity. anonymousrex_
The war on d***s. In my country, you can still be jailed "for your own good" if you use the wrong substance. munnharpe Trying to find reasons to condemn other people and feel morally superior to them just because you're not superior to them in any other way and that scares your low-self-esteem-having a*s. DryEyes4096 ADVERTISEMENT Washing your raw chicken with water before cooking it. Not necessary, and is an unsafe food prep practice. toastyourbagel1111
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5 day work weeks. It’s b******t really. And greed. The world would be a much happier place is 4 days was normalised. Repulsive_Explorer_8 “tough love” . CuriousLavender
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Hazing. anon You need to work overtime because your boss is working overtime even if you've already done with your workload. . Ok_Database6084 Minor one but sagging your pants. I’ve seen many kids who did this now have hip issues as young adults because they changed their gait to walk with their pants sagged. Thebigdeac2
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The “30 minutes or it’s free” pizza delivery trend ended in the 90’s and so many people still think that it applies to EVERY RESTAURANT I hate having to explain that it doesn’t. abandonedxearth Driving everywhere. Cute_Positive_4493 Capitalism. Black_Crow_Dog Voting Republican. Arkvoodle42 The way we treat kids like they're idiots.
Kids needs people they love and trust to help them understand the world. Talking to an older kid like they're babies, or saying "no" all the time arbitrarily with zero explanation? Is that really helping? I remember feeling furious all the time at adults when I was a kid, and it's only when I learned the word "patronizing" that I understood why I was so angry.
You're not raising kids, your providing life-long guidance and support to the adults they will become.