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From handwritten letters to text messages and from landlines to smartphones, a lot of things have changed. Some think things change for the better, however, others think they change for the worse. Whether you're nostalgic for slower days or thriving in the modern digital world, you can vote on 23 drastic changes over the years that affected us all. Share whether you would prefer the way things used to be or as they are now. Heads up: Some of these choices are hard! 👀

#1

Do you prefer the smell and feel of a paperback book to the convenience of carrying thousands of books on a Kindle and bringing them anywhere you want?

Person in brown sweater browsing books on wooden shelves in a library as part of then vs now poll concept

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Peeka_Mimi
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1 week ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

When you start getting older you appreciate the ability to enlarge the font and the backlight.

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    #2

    Would you prefer living your life with social media and global access at your fingertips or without it?

    Hand holding smartphone displaying social networks folder with popular apps for then vs. now poll discussion.

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    Grape Walls of Ire
    Community Member
    1 week ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I read "global access" to mean the internet. I'm not giving that up just to avoid social media.

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    #3

    Do you prefer browsing through a store, feeling fabrics and trying them on, or online shopping with endless options and fast shipping?

    Luxury handbags and shoes displayed on shelves in a brightly lit store for a then vs. now poll comparison.

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    Olive Moon
    Community Member
    1 week ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Unfortunately, shopping in store is becoming more difficult as stores are disappearing :(

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    #4

    Would you prefer to have a private handwritten journal or document your thoughts in the notes app?

    Person holding a pen and writing in a notebook next to a floral mug with a Be Happy message for then vs now poll.

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    #5

    Writing a handwritten birthday card or sending a text to wish someone a happy birthday?

    Young woman smiling while holding a smartphone, participating in a then vs now poll in a bright setting

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    StrangeOne
    Community Member
    1 week ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I like making cards for people. It's more personable and appreciated. I find texts are fair-weathered and passive. But can appreciate a text as someone has thought about it enough to care to reach out.

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    #6

    Would you prefer long phone calls or quick & convenient texting anytime?

    Beige rotary dial vintage telephone on a dark countertop symbolizing then vs now poll concept.

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    StrangeOne
    Community Member
    1 week ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Depends on who it is. I love longer calls with my boyfriend. I would like more quick texts from others.

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    #7

    Reading a thick Sunday newspaper over breakfast or catching up on headlines through notifications?

    Person holding and reading a newspaper indoors, illustrating a then vs. now poll comparison concept.

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    #8

    Having close relationships with neighbours or not even knowing their names?

    Couple welcoming a guest at the door indoors, smiling and engaging in a friendly then vs now poll conversation.

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    StrangeOne
    Community Member
    1 week ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I used to know our neighbours. I miss hanging out with people next door. But not all of them made good friends.

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    #9

    Waiting for the new episode to air each week on TV or binge-watching the whole season in one sitting?

    Two people watching Netflix on a TV in a cozy room with exposed brick walls in a then vs now poll context.

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    StrangeOne
    Community Member
    1 week ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    There was something about the anticipation of waiting and then talking about the episodes with your friends at school. The episodes became immortalized and memorable. I've binged watch shows and I gotta say, I felt exhausted and near nauseated once I got to the later seasons. A couple of episodes a day I can do. But then I have to take a break and move on to something else. I follow a youtuber that does rewatches who uploads an episode once a week, whenever she's up to it. It's nice. Then I can watch other stuff in between.

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    #10

    Going in line for a midnight movie premiere or watching a brand-new release from your couch in pajamas?

    Couple relaxing on a couch watching Netflix on a laptop, illustrating entertainment habits for Then vs Now poll.

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    Grape Walls of Ire
    Community Member
    1 week ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    If I went to a midnight movie at my age, I'd fall asleep waiting in line.

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    #11

    Playing board games with your friends (without anyone looking at their phones) or playing online games with them?

    Gamer wearing headphones playing on a triple monitor setup with RGB keyboard in a Then vs Now Poll gaming environment.

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    #12

    Watching general knowledge competitions on TV or streaming a new show on Netflix?

    Person holding a remote control with legs crossed on a table representing a then vs now poll comparison.

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    UKDeek
    Community Member
    1 week ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    General knowledge shows have gone down hill recently, seemingly catering to the lowest common denominator. The only general knowledge show I like is called Pointless, which is shown in the UK.

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    #13

    The simple, unbreakable flip phone or the all-in-one, newly released power smartphone?

    Hands holding a flip phone and a can of drink showing a then vs now poll comparison of technology and lifestyle changes.

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    StrangeOne
    Community Member
    1 week ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Pros and cons for each ones. Personally, I need to a smartphone just to find out what time the bus comes, and many other things. But I would love to have a less fragile phone.

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    #14

    Listening to the radio and discovering new music by surprise vs algorithm-perfect playlists based on your taste?

    Collection of vintage radios displayed on white shelves showcasing the then vs. now poll concept.

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    Peluka.uy
    Community Member
    1 week ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Radio usually plays the most mainstream music or the classics. With a music platform you're probably gonna find a wider variety of artists and genres

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    #15

    Owning shelves of CDs, vinyl, or books vs. having unlimited access to music and books but nothing physical to show for it?

    Person browsing through vinyl records in a store, illustrating a then vs now poll concept with changing music formats.

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    #16

    Doing research at the library vs. Googling anything or asking ChatGPT in seconds?

    Person browsing books in library near shelves, illustrating a then vs now poll concept comparing past and present.

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    Tim Gearing
    Community Member
    1 week ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    If only I had kept my encyclopaedia Brittanica from when I was growing up in the 60s😂

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    #17

    Owning fewer clothes and wearing them for a long time or buying something new each month and refreshing your wardrobe?

    Clothes hanging on a wooden rack with soft lighting, illustrating a then vs now poll concept.

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    Grape Walls of Ire
    Community Member
    1 week ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Is hard for me to find clothes that fit. When I do, I didn't want them wearing out after a few washings.

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    #18

    Printed family photo albums or instantly accessible photos on your phone gallery?

    Two people sitting on the floor looking at a photo album, reflecting in a then vs. now poll comparison.

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    Data1001
    Community Member
    1 week ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Both. Certain printed photos are precious and nice to have in a non-digital form It's also more likely they'll be looked at more often than digital photos. But I have a ton of digital photos that are very nice to have but which I don't need in a printed form.

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    #19

    Walking the aisles of a video rental store and hoping they’ll have the tape you’re searching for versus endlessly going through streaming platforms but nothing you’d like to watch.

    Hand inserting a VHS tape into a player with a stack of tapes nearby, illustrating a Then vs. Now poll concept.

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    #20

    Buildings with classical design details or modern designs that are sleek and efficient?

    Modern glass building reflecting the sky, illustrating urban development for the Then vs Now poll concept.

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    #21

    Flirting and dating through mutual friends or serendipitous meetings vs swiping and matching at lightning speed?

    Elderly couple holding hands across table in cozy room, reflecting on moments for then vs now poll discussion.

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    Grape Walls of Ire
    Community Member
    1 week ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I was way too shy and anxious to flirt with someone that may or may not be interested in dating. Online, I could at least assume they're looking.

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    #22

    Talking to a friendly customer service rep who may not be able to solve your problem vs a bot that’s fast but cold?

    Two men discussing golf equipment at a store counter in a casual setting for then vs now poll.

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    Kit Black
    Community Member
    1 week ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Are we in a make believe world now where the bot actually solves the problem??? Why are all these worded as if the physical is somehow for showing off or inconvenient or doesn't work?

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    #23

    Would you prefer buying magazines to keep up with celebrities and what’s trending or checking it on your phone anytime you want?

    Woman lying on bed reading a magazine, illustrating a Then vs Now poll on lifestyle and trends comparison.

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