Practices We May Regret in 2075

As we look forward to the future, it’s intriguing to consider which current practices might be viewed as outdated or even barbaric by the year 2075. Below are some commonly discussed topics brought up by Reddit users that reflect notions of future societal progress and ethical advancement.

1. Wiping with Toilet Paper

One user bluntly pointed out our reliance on toilet paper: “They cut down trees just to wipe themselves?!” This perspective suggests that future sanitation technologies, such as advanced bidets, could make toilet paper seem outdated.

2. Factory Farming

The ethics of factory farming faced significant criticism. A user referred to it as “the worst hell on earth that humans have ever created.” With the rise of lab-grown meat technologies, many envision a future where raising animals for food is considered savage.

3. Medical Bankruptcies

Concerns regarding the American healthcare system are paramount, with discussions highlighting the prevalence of medical bankruptcies. One comment emphasized the tragedy of choosing between necessary treatments, such as chemotherapy, and basic living expenses.

4. Disregarding Women’s Pain

Many voices highlighted the inadequate treatment of women’s pain, exemplified by the absence of anesthesia during procedures like IUD insertion. This has left many women to endure significant suffering, leading to calls for reform in pain management practices.

5. Consuming Animal Products

Beyond factory farming, predictions surfaced regarding a potential end to animal consumption completely. Some users lamented the disconnect between consumers and their food sources, expressing concern for both animal welfare and the health of farm workers.

6. Excessive Social Media Use

One user projected a world increasingly plagued by time spent scrolling through social media, with another user humorously admitting they spent too long looking for this very point.

7. Single-Use Plastics

The ubiquity of plastic waste was a key concern, with predictions of future generations being appalled by our dependence on single-use plastics and their pervasive impact on the environment.

8. The 40-Hour Workweek

Amid discussions on work-life balance, there are predictions that the traditional 9-5 workweek will seem outdated. Some users even speculated that future workers may face even longer hours, reflecting potential challenges in the workforce.

9. Dental Procedures

The dental industry may also face scrutiny, particularly the practice of drilling teeth. As advances continue in dental medicine, the hope is that more effective and less invasive treatments will emerge.

10. Chemotherapy

There is a hopeful anticipation for advancements in cancer treatment. Comments suggest future treatments may focus more on targeted therapies rather than the traditional methods that affect the entire body.

11. Manual Driving

With the rise of autonomous vehicles, the idea of driving oneself could appear primitive. Some speculate that future generations may view manual driving as an unnecessary risk.

12. Reliance on Fossil Fuels

The concern over fossil fuel usage remains strong. One user suggested that the failure to transition to renewable energies could lead to a stark reality where fewer people are around to engage in ethical debates about our habits.

13. Exploiting Children in Media

In the realm of social media, there are fears regarding the ethics of monetizing children’s online personas. One participant expressed hope that this practice will be seen as ethically wrong in the future.

14. Contemporary Medical Practices

Some users raised concerns about current surgical methods, questioning whether techniques that appear archaic by future standards will be viewed with disdain.

15. Animal Entertainment

Animal captivity in entertainment settings was also criticized. The drugging of dolphins for performance and the treatment of whales in captivity are expected to be viewed harshly in the coming decades.

16. Fast Fashion

The issue of wastefulness, particularly concerning fast fashion, has been noted. The environmental repercussions of mass production and disposal are expected to prompt significant societal shifts.

17. Overall Global Conditions

Finally, some users noted that the future may present even more pressing concerns. The potential for resource scarcity could overshadow discussions about improving current practices.

Whether these predictions come to pass or not, one thing is certain: our present practices may not endure the test of time. As we approach 2075, the hope is for a society that’s kinder and more ethical.