The New Normal: 15 American Behaviors We Need to Rethink
Change is inevitable, and it’s not always for the better. Unfortunately, when people are stuck in a bad situation long enough, even the most determined human is bound to accept the new normal.
While America has a lot to offer, there are more than a few off-putting things that U.S. citizens have begun to acclimate to. From the rise of materialism to increased processed foods, many have started to accept these not-so-great things as “just the way they are.”
We can still hope for a better future in which the less desirable aspects of our status quo change. For now, though, it seems more power outages, bad social media influencers, and higher prices are here to stay.
1: Rampant Materialism
America is arguably a materialistic country, but in recent years, the need to buy has increased. Researchers believe the COVID-19 pandemic may be to blame.
According to a 2022 study, an increase in media consumption and stress that many experienced during the pandemic led to higher levels of materialism. It also pushed more brands to promote spending as a way of attaining well-being.
2: Idiocy Has a Megaphone
Former Google CEO Eric Schmidt once said that social media networks act as “amplifiers for idiots and crazy people.” Because of this, he predicted the government would have to regulate social media.
As of now, platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram remain unregulated in the U.S. While that has benefits, it also comes with costs. Many social media influencers with large followings push questionable ideas in their tweets, reels, and memes.
3: Politics As Sport
Politics have always warranted debate in the U.S., but in recent years, supporting a candidate has felt more like cheering for a sports team than critically considering differing ideologies. As our nation becomes more polarized, it’s begun to feel like you’re either team red or team blue.
This is concerning in part because it creates hero-worship of candidates. Rather than judging political leaders on their abilities, many Americans are simply glad that their side won, even if that means someone corrupt or ineffective now holds office.
4: Tipping Culture
Tipping has long been a part of U.S. culture, but with the increase of predetermined point-of-sale tipping options, it’s gotten out of control. The trend is called “tip creep,” which refers to the ability of consumers to tip on a wider variety of services than ever before.
While many Americans are accepting this trend and tipping for everything from their drive-thru coffee to their take-out order, others are pushing back. Three in four Americans believe tipping has gone too far, and studies show that tipping is lower than before.
5: Working More for Less
Many Americans have accepted working long hours despite minimal pay. According to TIME, when adjusted for inflation, hourly rates have fallen since the 1970s, while the number of hours spent working has climbed.
Much of the change has to do with overtime pay. In 1975, the law was such that 60% of salaried workers received overtime compensation. Now, only 15% of salaried workers receive overtime pay, as employers paying an employee more than $35,568 per year are exempt from offering overtime pay.
6: Corporate Lobbying
Before 1970, most corporations didn’t have dedicated lobbyists in Washington, D.C. According to Yale University Press, the ones that did were largely reactive, fighting against proposed regulations rather than pushing new policies that might benefit them.
Now, corporate lobbying is pervasive and proactive. The result is complex legislation that may benefit large companies rather than the general public.
7: Ultra Processed Food
An 18-year study by the NYU School of Global Public Health found that Americans’ diets have shifted towards more ultra-processed foods over the last two decades. Though there are several health risks tied to ultra-processed foods, many Americans have grown accustomed to eating them.
This is in part because ultra-processed foods are often inexpensive and less time-consuming to prepare. Americans prefer cheap, ready-to-eat meals, even though they’re likely to lead to chronic diseases.
8: College As a Must-Do
College wasn’t always seen as a necessary step toward a well-paying job or a successful life. But, in recent years, more and more Americans seem to feel attending a university is the only way to excel.
Since 1960, the rate of college enrollment among high school graduates has increased by 37%. Unfortunately, college tuition has also gone up, leading to high amounts of student debt for many college graduates.
9: Online Dating
Online dating has been around for some time now, but in the past few years, it seems to have exploded. Dating apps and sites found new popularity during the COVID-19 pandemic, and surveys show that many Americans believe you can fall in love without ever meeting someone in real life.
Unfortunately, at least one study shows relationships that start online are less stable. Though many Americans have accepted meeting a partner in a virtual space as the new normal, it may be better to search for a soulmate offline.
10: Violence
Americans witnessed over 600 mass shootings in 2023. The same was true in 2021 and 2022. Given the amount of firearm violence in the U.S., it’s no wonder that mental health professionals believe the general public is becoming desensitized.
Many Americans have built up a sort of callus to the constant violence. It’s a self-protecting mechanism, but it has major consequences. Mental health professionals warn that if we begin to ignore the problems America faces, we’re unlikely to find feasible solutions.
11: Pharmaceutical Ads
You can’t turn on the TV, stream a YouTube video, or listen to the radio without hearing about a new pharmaceutical drug. While Americans perceive this as normal, the rest of the world disagrees.
America is one of only two countries (New Zealand is the other) that allows drug companies to advertise directly to consumers. We didn’t start the practice until 1997 when the FDA relaxed its regulations on advertising.
These advertisements may feel normal to Americans, but they’re not without costs. They often present incomplete information and may put people in conflict with their physicians. They also spur many to ask for medication they might not need.
12: No Cash Accepted
According to the AARP, the share of cashless businesses doubled from 2020 to 2021. Refusing to accept cash can be safer for the business, especially if it’s prone to robberies. And, for many Americans, paying with their card or phone is more convenient.
However, a cashless future has several downsides. Many lower-income people rely on cash to pay for goods and services, and cash is also the only way to keep purchases completely private. Plus, cash doesn’t require electronic payment systems to be up and running.
13: Blackouts
Though Americans may not realize it, blackouts and power disruptions have become more common in recent years. Adapting to lack of power as the new norm signals a terrifying future.
Extreme weather events are often to blame for major outages and power blackouts, and those are likely to increase as we deal with climate change. Though it’s not a future anyone wants, it may be time to look into purchasing a small generator or at least a few extra flashlights and canned goods.
14: Theft
According to recent reports, retail theft is soaring, vehicle prowling is on the rise, and home burglaries are shockingly common. Sadly, many Americans are growing used to theft as the new norm.
In San Francisco, where car prowling is a serious issue, some people leave their trunks wide open when they leave their vehicles parked. That way, thieves won’t break any windows trying to get in. And, many of us are now used to asking for a store attendant to get our razors or deodorant from behind a locked door.
15: High Prices
From housing to fuel, prices in the U.S. have increased substantially over the past few years. Americans may not be happy about the change, but they’re beginning to accept it.
You may have said you’d never buy a $10 bunch of grapes from the supermarket last year. Now, that price doesn’t seem so bad, especially considering how much everything else has gone up.
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