The gap between the 90s and the 2020s feels much smaller than the difference between the 90s and the 60s. This is largely due to the rapid advancements in technology and evolvement of culture over the past thirty years. Innovations like the internet, social media, and smartphones have made the world feel more connected than ever before – even in remote winter wonderland and bird nest like Finland.

As we look back on the journey leading up to today, it’s a fact that civilization thrives on continuous evolution and adaptation. Each decade in history are introducing new opportunities and challenges, shaping the life in countless ways.

In this blog, I’ll explore the changes over these two 30-year periods by benchmarking societal phenomena and entertainment, especially technology and culture, as indicators of change.

Only thing constant is change

Today’s kids find it hard to imagine life “pre-internet”, streaming, messaging apps, GPS, CDs, or even family phone lines. They can’t comprehend the existence of life relying on paper maps, renting movies, spending hours on actually reading the magazines or books. Trying to “decode” usually crypted a like handwritten labels on tapes, CDs, and VHS. Ordering pizzas by phone, using projectors for presentations, waiting for catalogs to shop, and lacking instant personalized entertainment.

If we compare the life between the 60s to 90s the transition was less overwhelming compared to 90s to 2020s in term of technology advancement, one could say. With gradually evolved technology, such as introduction of color television and the early stages of computers, people had time to adapted to these changes over time.

If you had opportunity to tell your ancestor about how life is today, would they consider you as a time traveler, a visionary or completely mental case?

Living in the past and experiencing life as it is today could be fascinating. Conversely, experiencing the past with the knowledge of today’s advancements could offer a rich understanding of history and a unique perspective on how far we’ve come. And how things are gone worse in many ways.

Something I have been thinking lately – which I tried to somewhat summarize in the sub-title – they wouldn’t comprehend the rapid advancements in technology, communication, generally in society.

Think about

• social media
• diversity
• digital
• platform
• big data
• digital payments
• lifestyle
• growth hacking
• ​non-binary in terms of gender identity
• climate change
• food delivery apps
• spaceship
• biotech
• globalization
• dating apps
• synergy
• remote work
• sexism
• cloning
• e-commerce
• offline
• hack
• GPS
• self-driving cars
• 3D printing
• workplace culture
• online shopping

This list could continue on and one.

In many ways, the modern life would seem like a completely different reality to them, filled with wonders and complexities that they could never have imagined.

Turning it around the life used today and experience the life of ancestors is another thought I find interesting. Rhythm of the seasons pretty much dictated everything, storytelling from generations through communal gatherings. Customs and traditions were strong – and gave sort of belonging; You knew who you were and were you came from. You had roots. Life was simpler, more authentic, perhaps slower-paced, and offered fewer opportunities than what we have today to become who you want to be.

No industry – or life itself – remains unchanged by technology

Underestimating the change possible within a lifetime is common. Reflecting on the significant transformations the world has undergone can provide insights into the potential future variations, whether in a matter of years or decades, according to Technology over the long run: zoom out to see how dramatically the world can change within a lifetime – Our World in Data.

Technological change was extremely slow in the past – the technologies that our ancestors got used to in their childhood were still central to their lives in their old age. In stark contrast to those days, we live in a time of extraordinarily fast technological change. For recent generations, it was common for technologies that were unimaginable in their youth to become common later in life.

-Max Roser, Technology over the long run: zoom out to see how dramatically the world can change within a lifetime

Let’s take music as an example. From the introduction of cassettes in the 1960s to the rise of digital streaming platforms in the 2000s and beyond changing how it’s being produced, distributed, and consumed. As we compare the shifts from the 90s to the 60s, and then from the 90s to today, it’s worth considering how music reflects and shapes our cultural landscape.

After all music has always been a mirror of our hopes, dreams, and struggles.

When you’re happy you enjoy the music, but when you’re sad you understand the lyrics

Frank Ocean

Cultural Evolution Through Decades

According ChartMasters, the following lists of artists are to display the most successful by decade are based on the CSPC process ( meaning that they embed together sales and streams of every format, up to date, of all the songs that were recorded during the related period).

Made a list from the 60s to 2020s to highlight the major change in terms of advanced technology, culture and society.

1960s – The Beatles, slapstick and rebellion

The 1960s was a decade of cultural and societal transformation, often characterized as a period of liberation and revolution. It witnessed the rise of the civil rights movement for racial equality and justice with rejection on back-then mainstream values. Music, movies, and art broke away from tradition, such as jazz and big bands, drawing audiences in with contemporary stories.

Additionally, television transitioned from black-and-white to colour during this era, thanks to technological advancements. Cassette tapes were introduced replacing vinyl records as a popular medium for listening to music.

This new era introduced iconic genres like slapstick comedy, sci-fi, horror, and Spaghetti Westerns, leaving a lasting impact on filmmaking. In cinema, films such as Psycho, Breakfast at Tiffany’s, Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb, The Sound of Music, 2001: A Space Odyssey and Rosemary’s Baby are considered iconic classics of the 1960s.

Music left profound mark in history, defined by iconic artists such as the Beatles, Elvis, The Beach Boys, Rolling Stones, Simon & Garfunkel, Jimi Hendrix, Frank Sinatra, the Doors, Bob Dylan and the Supremes.

Meanwhile, Pop Art, led by figures like Andy Warhol, challenged artistic norms with its focus on consumerism and mass media. Fashion trends like miniskirts, go-go boots, and bohemian tie-dye reflected the era’s spirit of rebellion and individuality showcasing self-expression.

1970s: Pink Floyd, the Rise of Progressive Rock and hippie movement

The end of the swinging 60s welcomed new era which is characterises by tensions and conflicts, notably the Vietnam War and the Cold War, and its influence to society and culture.

The decade was a diverse for music, especially for disco and progressive rock, characterized by the rise of new artists, and social movements that left a lasting impact on popular culture. While both of the styles emerged and evolved during the era, it represented distinct musical movements with contrasting sounds, cultures, and influences. As one could say a golden era for music with artists and bands including Pink Floyd, Eagles, Led Zeppelin, Queen, Elton John, Abba, Bob Marley, Rod Steward & Faces, Bee Gees and Eric Clapton.

Simultaneously revolutionary in terms of movies by welcoming directors such as Martin Scorsese, Francis Ford Coppola, Woody Allen and Steven Spielberg, who redefined the art of filmmaking with works such as Taxi Driver, The Godfather, Annie Hall and Jaws.

1980s: Michael Jackson and the Pop (and the Big Hair) Revolution

The 1980s was a transformative decade in music, fashion, and entertainment. With the launch of MTV in the early 1980s, music videos became a cultural phenomenon – first-time ever to be accessible by everyone’s living room more or less – playing a crucial role in shaping pop culture and launching the careers of legendary musicians like Michael Jackson, Madonna, and Prince.

The decade also saw significant cultural shifts, including the rise of consumerism and the pursuit of wealth and success, additionally witnessed the rise of influential music genres such as punk, new wave, and hip-hop. Personal computers took first steps of mainstreaming and also video games began to gain popularity as a entertainment form during this period.

We cannot define the 80s without speaking about fashion though. Shoulder pads, neon colours, oversized jackets, and leg warmers were all the “Bitchin’”, inspired by pop culture icons. These trends reflected the era’s spirit of individuality and self-expression.

Speaking of the icons the decade produced a decent number (what an understatement) of iconic movies that continue to captivate audiences today. From action-jaction blockbusters like Indiana Jones, and Die Hard to beloved comedies like The Breakfast Club and Back to the Future the decade was filled with gems. Other notable movies included Top Fun, E.T, Ghostbusters, Police Academy, Star Wars, The Terminator – great chapter in movie history.

Overall, the 80s made an impact with its influence still felt in music, fashion, and entertainment to this day.

1990s – The Power Ballads of Mariah Carey, raucous sound of Grunge and the rise of technology we know today

Wrote about my 90s experiences Throwback to 1996 – Jackinna of all Trades so if you haven’t read this – and want to get a sneak peek to this semi-what-ever blogger’s life, consider reading.

The 1990s witnessed the rise of technology, notably the internet, reshaping global communication. The first web browser debuted in 1992, followed by text messages two years later. Mobile phones then revolutionized communication “on-the-go” , becoming widely accessible. Additionally, advancements in digital technology led to the usage of devices such as CD players, gaming consoles, and digital cameras. These devices offered new forms of entertainment and convenience, shaping the way people lived and interacted in their daily lives.

Just like the 80s the next decade also created massive amount of memorable movies across various genres. From Titanic, to Matrix, Pulp Fiction, The Shawshank Redemption to Scream, Fight Club and Night at Roxbury. Directors like Quentin Tarantino, Steven Spielberg, and James Cameron leading the wave with their groundbreaking work, creating memorable movies across various genres. It was a golden era of teen horror movies, such as Scream and I Know What You Did Last Summer.

The 1990s marked a diverse era in music, characterized by the emergence of powerful ballads, the rise of girl and boy bands, and the continued influence of artists such as Mariah Carey, Celine Dion, Garth Brooks, Whitney Houston, Nirvana, Michael Jackson, Metallica, Backstreet Boys, Shania Twain, Madonna. In addition to its cinematic and music achievements, the 90s was also a decade for fashion from grunge-inspired flannel shirts, Doc Martens and fisherman hats, the decade was defined by its interesting mix of styles.

2000s: Eminem, the rise of reality TV and millennium

The 2000s were defined by rapid technological developments, the rise of reality TV, and the early days of social media. Additionally, political tensions and environmental awareness rose in shaping the cultural landscape of the decade, driving advocacy for social and environmental causes.

The 2000s saw the growth of new technologies such as social media, smartphones, and streaming services, which revolutionized the way people communicated, consumed media, and interacted with each other. The social media platforms like Facebook, YouTube, and Twitter started facilitated levels of connectivity by enabling individuals to share their thoughts, ideas, and creations with a global audience – instantly. Reality TV shows like Survivor, Big Brother and The Bachelor became hits, cultural phenomena.

In addition to the technological advancements the decade was also a powerhouse in terms of music and entertainment. The 2000s brought forth a diverse array of musical talent, ranging from groundbreaking rap and rock acts to pop hits and alternative bands, Eminem, Linking Park, Coldplay, Britney Spears, Beyond, Pink, Black Eyed Peas, Jay Z, Nickelback, and Norah Jones.

2010s: Taylor Swift, the rise of social media influencers, binge-watching and financial crisis

The 2010s were a decade of dynamic shifts, from the cultural impact of contemporary music icons like Taylor Swift. The rise of social media influencers reshaped the way we interacted with content, while binge-watching transformed our approach to entertainment usage. Additionally, the financial crisis left a lasting impact on global economies. The 2010s were also marked with awareness of social and political issues, led by movements like MeToo, Occupy Wall Street, and Black Lives Matter.

The rise of social media influencers was another defining aspect of 2010s, with platforms like Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok providing individuals with the opportunity to monetize their online presence and shape consumer trends.

Musically, the decade showcased artists such as Taylor Swift, Drake, Ed Sheeran, Adele, BTS, Justin Bieber, Bruno Mars, Rihanna, One Direction and the Weeknd.

Another prominent trend was the rise of streaming services like Netflix, which revolutionized the way people consumed series and movies. With the convenience of on-demand viewing, binge-watching became a widespread phenomenon. Touched the topic bit in my article Frankly, my dear, I do give a damn – Jackinna of all Trades, and questioning whether series are better than movies. Recommend reading the article if you haven’t already.

Throughout the 2010s and beyond, the assortment of movies and series has become overwhelming, which has somewhat diminished people’s appreciation for upcoming launches – Everything is just so convenient, and attention spans seem to be as short as a goldfish’s. Moreover, from the 2010s to the 2020s, social media and other cultural forms has taken attention and space from movies.

2020s: The rise of K-pop, Brexit, COVID, sensitive reading, wars

The 2020s have been a decade defined by rapid technological advancements, cultural shifts, and global challenges, tensions, and wars. From the UK leaving the EU as Brexit to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the increasing influence of social media, the 2020s have brought lots on as an unprecedented scale.

Not sure really what to make out of it.

First of all, over the past decade, the landscape of movies and series has transformed significantly. Rather than the stereotypical action heroes of years past, today’s narratives often spotlight characters with diverse backgrounds, place women in prominent roles, and showcase enhanced LGBTQ representation. Diversity in the Film Industry: Amplifying Voices and Stories (productionhub.com)

Secondly, the music landscape of the 2020s seems to be characterized by a blend of genres and styles of hip hop, pop, reggaeton, K-pop, indie folk, and alternative.

Not sure on this one either. I’m a bit uncertain about how to approach the topic of the music landscape in the 2020s, especially considering the influence of auto-tuning and digital production. Generally speaking. The versatility of different genres, the accessibility for aspiring musicians to produce and share music, and the general freedom to find one’s own way to present are all significant factors to keep in mind, but the issue of (over) reliance on technology, allegations of inauthenticity and commercialization. I think I will write something out of this, too.

Why is pop music so fake and plastic now? – Jambox Blog writes as: Another factor that contributes to the perception of pop music as being fake and plastic is the increasing emphasis on image and appearance in the music industry.

Sensitive reading “enhancing the literary quality of a work”.

New word I learned the other day was sensitivity reading, which is considered as an aspect in enhancing the literary quality of a work. Or at least it aims to be.

Wikipedia  defines the term as someone who reads a literary work, looking for perceived offensive content, stereotypes and bias, creating a report for an author or publisher with suggested changes.

There are many risks in restricting the free exchange of ideas, thoughts, and speech. This will decrease the exploration of complex issues and can create an environment where individuals only engage with content that aligns with their existing beliefs and values. And when this happens, how someone can grow as an individual and human being? This not only affects the current generation but also has “heritage” for future generations, as they get to cope with the limitations of the society they grow up in. Ultimately, remain or even increase stereotypes and prejudices, as open discussions and understanding between different people are diminished.

The values, beliefs, viewpoints, and opinions of ancestors could disappear if there are restrictions on the free exchange of ideas and speech. How the world will look like without critical thinking or the society be tolerant?

As we navigate the complexities of the 2020s, characterized by global challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic, the importance of preserving and evolving culture becomes ever more significant. How the sensitive reader and cancel culture will impact the evolution of culture in the 2020s remains to be seen

If we keep changing our history, we miss out on learning from it. When we erase or change the past to fit how we feel now, we might forget it ever happened.

Closing remarks

When you can fall for chains of silver you can fall for chains of gold
You can fall for pretty strangers and the promises they hold
You promised me everything, you promised me thick and thin, yeah
Now you just say “Oh, Romeo, yeah, you know I used to have a scene with him

Romeo and Juliet by Dire Straits

The evolution of from the 1960s to the present day reflects a constant cycle of change, driven by technological advancements, cultural shifts, and societal movements. Each decade leaves a distinct imprint on history, shaping music, entertainment, fashion, and societal norms. From the cultural revolution of the 1960s to the technological revolution of the 1990s and the digital age of the 2000s, every era brings new opportunities and challenges.

The life of today’s brings mind the sentiment echoed in the Dire Straits song rings true, which metaphorically means that what may seem valuable at one time can be replaced by something else. Despite rapid technological advancements and the ever-changing cultural landscape, many people overlook the value of what they already possess. When we compare our lives to the carefully curated highlights of others, showcased through social media such as reels, we may feel insufficient and seek validation from others.

I’m not entirely unfamiliar with this topic, I must admit. Sometimes, I feel frustrated when I put time and effort into writing what I believe to be a good blog post, only to have it read by roughly 10-20 people and receive only a few likes when shared on social media. This frustration was one of the reasons behind my previous “writing break,” during which I took some time to reflect on this issue, additionally, I began a new job and moved back to Helsinki after a decade of being an espooer. However, I try to remind myself that the value of my work isn’t solely determined by its reach or popularity, or whether my friends read it. Writing serves a purpose beyond mere personal satisfaction; otherwise, I wouldn’t be using a blog as a medium.

As we come to the end of this blog post, I want to say thank you for joining me on this “journey” through the cultural landscapes of different decades. As I look ahead to future topics, I’m eager to continue diving into new writing areas – few already on my mind (not as a headline yet):

• My Helsinki: From Helsinki to Espoo and back to Helsinki
• Rock music genre introduction with my top songs
• Downton Abbey series review
• 100 movies of all time
• Beer tourist top picks & Oktoberfest-inspired post
• Museum reviews

I’d love to hear from you what topics would you like to see covered in future blog posts – are these something you’d like to read about? Is there a particular aspect at you’re curious to read about – something else?

You can comment on this blog, DM on social media, or reach out however works best for you.