Has the Quality of Life for the Average American Improved or Deteriorated Since the 1970s?

I don't believe that life has deteriorated overall for typical Americans. While some aspects may have changed in ways that aren't always positive, the improvements far outweigh the negatives. Let's explore both the gains and some of the challenges that have emerged.

Improvements in the Quality of Life

When we consider purchasing power, we must take into account the advancements and technological improvements that have transformed our lives. For instance, through a significant portion of the 1990s, households often had one car, one air conditioner, one television, and one phone line (which might or might not include long-distance services). Eating out or taking a plane trip was extremely rare. The selection of products available for purchase was limited.

Fast forward to today, it's quite likely that people above a certain age, regardless of income, have their own personal computer. This level of technology is something that countries would have gone to war over! They also have their own television, car, and so forth. People eat out more often than they eat at home. They can easily travel anywhere in the world without much trouble or significant savings. With just a few clicks, people can get in contact with anyone, publish their work, or order virtually any product from anywhere in the world.

People can now learn almost any skill, read almost any book, watch almost any movie, and even download plans for making 3D printers or knitting machines. Mentioning 3D printing leads to the realization that one can manufacture things right from the comfort of their own home. For those willing to spend a little more, a smart home can even know the precise time to expect the owner's return.

Security and Crime Rates

Violent crime rates have consistently gone down. Even crimes like domestic abuse and sexual assault have become less hidden. When we look at material measures, which is the best way to know how things are far better than they were when I was a child, we see a multitude of improvements. Technology has advanced to the point where we have devices, such as computers and smartphones, that would have seemed unimaginable in the past.

Challenges in the Modern Life

While many improvements have been made, there are also challenges that have arisen. One such issue is the loss of control over our lives. Many people now work to acquire possessions rather than simply using them. The use of technology has led to people staying up late into the night, with computer screens and lights tricking our bodies into thinking it is perpetually morning. This can disrupt sleep patterns.

The ability to contact anyone at any time has created a culture where people feel they need to be available 24/7, which is detrimental to other relationships and their overall health. Companies have also taken control of many aspects of our lives, sometimes at the cost of our fundamental rights and freedoms. For example, we have given up the right to use our real names on social media or say certain things that might have been allowed in the past. License agreements for services can even override copyright laws or ideas like fair use, thanks to the mandates coded into software.

Addressing the Challenges

These issues are not permanent, and we can address them. Simple steps like installing privacy software, turning off the TV early, and not answering emails after working hours can help. Push back against companies that fail to consider the impact on users and start talking to your Congressmen about governance.

However, addressing these issues is just one part of the solution. The challenges and opportunities of the modern era also stem from broader economic and political forces. Rich people continue to get richer by virtue of being rich, and the government has eroded parts of the Constitution. We pose as the world's police, but our methods often cause more harm than good.

Companies often prioritize profit over what is truly valuable to us. These factors have hindered our progress and made it harder to catch up to other countries in areas like electric cars, solar power, and international relations. All of these things make it more difficult to move forward as a society. Evidence of this is seen in the fact that much of the world has caught up to us in various ways.

Overall, life for the typical American is far better now than it was, but it could have been even better. We must be vigilant and careful to avoid slipping back into old habits that may harm our progress.

Let's remember that value follows cooperation. Natural resources and individual genius can provide a boost, but true growth is facilitated by inclusion and cooperation. Fear, hatred, and isolation work against these principles, making it harder to move forward as a society.