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I’ve wondered lately if people still read blogs.

Blogs were one of the first forms of expression on the internet, but the buzz seems to have faded over time.

For me, social media just doesn’t feel the same — it’s hard to know if the words come from a genuine person, bots or AI. And with the rise of AI, even photos and videos are no longer trustworthy.

This brings me to write this list of nostalgic things I miss from childhood — those moments when the world felt much simpler, and our connections as humans ran much deeper.

Anyways, here are my rants of the day: a look back at the simple pleasures we’ve lost in today’s busy world.

1. Web 2.0: When the Internet Felt Real

Picking up from the intro, we could dive into how Web 2.0 was a time when connecting online felt genuine.

People shared their lives, ideas, and stories in ways that felt real and relatable.

Before social media took over, forums were like digital communities where people gathered to share common interests, from mum groups to gaming geeks.

Forums were a place for real, in-depth conversations.

Unlike today’s endless scrolling, Web 2.0 felt less hurried. People took time to write, respond, and reflect.

As we advance, it seems everyone’s in a rush to be… fast.

Finding Authentic Voices

If you remember, early blogs weren’t about SEO, algorithms or shares. They were personal, sometimes even vulnerable, and reading them felt like hearing from a friend or a true expert of a topic.

Back in the days, communities grew around shared passions rather than what an algorithm thought you’d like, or worse, brainwashed you to like.

I miss the days when there was no pressure to post something “Insta-perfect” or polished to compete for engagements.

It was all about expression without the metrics.

2. Writing Letters

When was the last time you picked up a pen and wrote on a piece of paper?

There was something special about waiting for a letter — checking the mailbox in anticipation, receiving that foreign stamp, and unwrapping the letter like a gift.

I remember holding the letters that carried the scent of another place, another person, and reading their handwritten words felt almost like they were right there with you.

Sending a reply meant knowing it would travel across countries, reaching someone a month later. There was a certain beauty in that slow, meaningful exchange, knowing it took time, care, and patience.

Back in the days, having pen pals were special.

Messaging Across the Room

Today, my family’s main way to “catch-up” is through messages. Sometimes, we’re texting each other across the room, too busy lazy to sit down and talk.

Sound familiar? Heh.

It’s a strange reality we’ve slipped into, where instant messaging has replaced real conversations, even within our own homes.

Sigh.

3. Neighbours: The Lost Sense of Community

Remember when visiting neighbours was just part of everyday life?

Whether it was a quick chat over the fence or a cup of tea, those regular catch-ups created a true sense of belonging and connection.

I remember my parents sharing their baking, lending a hand with a DIY project, or simply watching over the neighbour’s kids (and that was a big deal!).

Those little gestures of kindness made the neighbourhood feel like one big extended family.

These interactions built a strong sense of community, and a sense of community contributes to our overall health and longevity.

You knew your neighbours, and they knew you. There was comfort in knowing you weren’t alone, that someone nearby had your back.

The Rise of Loneliness

Today, with our busy lives and digital distractions, those neighbourly connections have faded.

It’s no wonder loneliness has become one of the fastest-growing global concerns.

According to American Psychiatric Association, loneliness rates have been on the rise, impacting mental health and well-being.

That’s a topic of another day.

4. Global Citizens

With the ease of travel and driven by inflation, tax systems, lifestyle choices, and job opportunities, more people are relocating than ever before.

This often means disconnecting from lifelong friends and having family spread across the globe.

Sure, staying in touch is easier with modern technology, but when your lives are vastly different, spread across borders, relationships naturally fade as you grow apart.

Treasure Now

That’s why it’s so important to cherish the friends and family you have around you now. Make the most of the moments you share.

Treasure these connections, because life changes quickly, and those shared memories will become the stories you hold onto when distances grow.

5. Authentic Art

In the past, appreciating art meant recognising the dedication of master creatives who spent years, if not decades perfecting their craft.

Every piece was a labour of love, designed to evoke emotions and tell a personal story. But now, it’s hard not to wonder if a stunning image or intricate design is AI-generated.

The rise of digital tools has brought more artists into the spotlight, but it’s also blurred the lines between genuine artistic talent and AI engineers.

In saying that, AI has undoubtedly helped many of us project our artistic ideas more effectively. It’s opened the door for everyone to realise their creative visions, even if they lack traditional artistic skills. Now, anyone can express themselves and bring their concepts to life.

I guess it depends on which side of the coin you’re on. As Elon puts it, “If you can’t beat them, join them.” Well, I’m joining them!

That brings me to the next nostalgia.

6. Reading Books

Back in the day, we could trust that the books lining the shelves of our local libraries came from credible authors who shared real wisdom and knowledge.

I’m not sure about you, but have you noticed a decline in the quality of books? Especially in children’s picture books.

They seem to be making less and less sense these days. Many try too hard to rhyme or be quirky and funny, sacrificing the authenticity of a good classic bedtime story.

That’s why we’ve decided to create our own picture books for children! Check it out!

I have fond memories of Hans Christian Andersen and the Brothers Grimm, whose tales were steeped in imagination and morality.

The modern versions simply don’t hold a candle to those beautifully printed yellow pages.

Now, anyone can self-publish a book, often written with the help of AI. This can be a good thing if people genuinely write to share something valuable instead of chasing quick profits.

Reviews, once a reliable source of insight, can now be misleading, sometimes generated by an army of bots that skew our perception of a book’s value.

I wonder if classic books will rise in popularity in the future, becoming some of the rare collectible investments like the art from great masters such as Da Vinci.

As society shifts towards valuing authenticity from real fellow humans, we might actually see a renewed appreciation for timeless stories!

7. Classical Music

Coming from a music background, I really value the integrity of real melodies and harmonies played by live instruments.

These days, a lot of music is made with synthesizers and AI, and the lyrics often focus on sexuality and various agendas. It feels like the artistry that once defined music is getting lost.

I wonder if our kids will ever grasp the true essence of music or appreciate the rich history that great composers intended to share.

Imagine how shocked Beethoven would be if he suddenly came back to life now. Haha.

8. Organic Food

Food has changed dramatically over the years, and not always for the better. These days, there are so many health issues that were unheard of back in the day.

Microplastics in our food? Lactose intolerance? Allergies to nuts? Processed food leading to health problems? It’s a long list that keeps growing.

When did organic food become a luxury? It’s crazy that what was once the norm now costs double the price of regular vegetables. Everything was organic before!

Now, ingredient labels are getting longer and fancier, to the point where I feel like I need to carry a dictionary just to do grocery shopping.

9. Natural Health & Beauty

Our perception of beauty has changed so much over the years. If you don’t like the way you look? No problem! Just hop on a plane to Korea and get a new face. And if you think a woman is beautiful in Thailand, there’s often more than meets the eye!

After becoming a mother of 2, I suddenly found myself bedazzled by the choices of pads at the supermarket. Remember when buying pads was simple? Now there are pads with wings, day use, night use, light flow, heavy flow, postpartum options, eco-friendly choices, and probably a few more I’ve missed!

And then you have health professionals chiming in: “Take your vitamins, try probiotics, strengthen this, boost that. Oh wait, new researches have found that they’re all going to increase your risk of cancer!”

But honestly, haven’t our bodies been figuring this out for thousands of years? 🤷🏻‍♀️

We’re overcomplicating things, trying to outsmart evolution and ending up creating problems that our bodies would’ve handled just fine on their own.

Take the COVID vaccine, for example… actually, let’s not go there.

10. Privacy & Safety

Last but not least, let’s talk about privacy and safety because, honestly, it feels like we’re living in a surveillance state.

With the rollout of digital IDs, face recognition is everywhere now, and it’s kind of unsettling.

You walk down the street and there are cameras watching your every move, from the store to the subway. It’s like Big Brother is always peeking over our shoulders.

And then there are hackers. The new generation is getting smarter and bolder. Take cryptocurrency, for example. While some people are diving headfirst and making big investments, it’s also a breeding ground for scams and hacks.

I joke with my partner that if he doesn’t get on board with Bitcoin, he’s going to be left behind in 10 years — just like that elderly man at the bank today, fiddling with his coins. (No offence to elderly)

Last Notes

I can go on for hours about the things I miss from the days before mobile phones and AI.

These nostalgic childhood memories remind me everyday of the importance of embracing a simpler life.

After all, what truly matters in life are the experiences, connections, and memories we create along the way.

Hopefully, our future is brighter than it is today.

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