The ground shifts beneath our feet, sometimes so subtly we don’t notice—until we glance back and marvel at how far we’ve traveled. For those of us born in the 1970s, the journey from childhood to now has been a masterclass in transformation. Society, technology, and culture have evolved in profound ways, weaving a narrative of change that has redefined our lives.
The 1970s: A World of Tangible Simplicity
Growing up in the 1970s was like living in a bubble of simplicity tinged with complexity. Neighborhoods were our entire universe, and the people we saw face-to-face shaped our understanding of the world. The Cold War cast a shadow, but it was more an ominous backdrop than an immediate threat.
Technology was primitive by today’s standards, yet groundbreaking for the time. We were the first generation to grow up with television as a companion—Sesame Street and Saturday morning cartoons were our digital babysitters. Phones were tethered to walls, and personal computers belonged more to the realm of science fiction than reality. Life moved slower, conversations happened in real-time, and our world felt local, not global.
The 1980s and 1990s: Enter the Digital Age
As the 1980s unfolded, the pace of change quickened. Personal computers like the Apple II and IBM PC entered our homes, bringing with them the excitement of early gaming and the mystery of DOS prompts. Cable TV arrived, expanding our horizons beyond the evening news, while arcade classics like Pac-Man and Space Invaders hinted at a digital future.
By the 1990s, the internet had emerged, creeping into our lives with the screech of dial-up modems. What started as a novelty quickly became essential. Email replaced letters, chat rooms became social hubs, and the World Wide Web cracked open doors to endless information. Mobile phones shrank from bricks to sleek, pocketable devices, introducing a new era of connectivity.
It wasn’t just technology that shifted. The Berlin Wall fell, the Soviet Union dissolved, and globalization began reshaping economies and cultures. As we came of age, we entered a world where the rules of engagement—socially and professionally—demanded constant adaptation.
The 2000s: The Age of Connectivity
The new millennium brought rapid transformation. The internet evolved into a social and cultural platform, birthing MySpace, Facebook, and Twitter. Suddenly, we weren’t just consuming media—we were creating it, sharing our lives in ways previously unimaginable.
The attacks of September 11, 2001, reminded us of the fragility of our interconnected world. Globalization became more than an economic concept—it became a lived reality. Wars, financial crises, and the rise of China as a global power altered the geopolitical landscape, creating ripples that touched every aspect of our lives.
As we raised our children, we watched them inhabit a world that was more digital than physical. Their fluency with smartphones and tablets amazed us, but it also raised questions about how screen time and social media would shape their futures.
The 2010s to Today: A World in Flux
The 2010s turned smartphones into essential extensions of ourselves. Social media became our window to the world, shaping opinions and feeding us curated realities. Algorithms quietly dictated what we saw, deepening divides and amplifying polarization. Movements like #MeToo and Black Lives Matter shook the status quo, forcing society to confront longstanding inequalities.
The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 was a seismic event, upending how we work, learn, and connect. Remote work became the norm, online education surged, and virtual gatherings blurred the line between the physical and digital. The pandemic didn’t just disrupt life—it redefined it, accelerating trends that might have taken decades to unfold.
The Future: A New Chapter Awaits
As we look to the future, we face challenges and opportunities we can barely fathom. Artificial intelligence, climate change, and shifting global power dynamics will undoubtedly reshape our world once again. The narrative of transformation continues, pushing us into uncharted territories filled with potential and uncertainty.
Evolution of Society and Technology: The Constant of Change
Evolution of society and technology through my journey from the 1970s to today reveals a world in perpetual motion. The simplicity of the past has given way to a complex, interconnected reality, defined by rapid advancements and cultural shifts. The challenge now is to navigate this ever-changing landscape with resilience, curiosity, and hope, embracing the opportunities that lie ahead.
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Author
Roy Sharples, Founder and CEO of Unknown Origins, is in the fight against the epidemic of unoriginality by unleashing creative bravery. Author of "Creativity Without Frontiers: How to make the invisible visible by lighting the way into the future."
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Hey, this was a great read! It made me think about all those changes we witnessed while working together at Microsoft. Reading this feels like having one of our old conversations, but with the added depth of seeing how far we’ve all come. The way you captured the world’s transformation alongside our own personal journeys is spot on. Ignacio.