Idea 1:

Movie theaters began as early as the year 1905. From this date on, movie theaters have been a place where families and friends can gather and enjoy the magic of cinema while being surrounded by hundreds of people enjoying the same thing they are. However, as time has passed and technology has developed, streaming services such as Netflix have been introduced. With these services, people no longer desire to go to the movies and simply wait for the movie to come out on the service to enjoy in the comfort of their own homes. But what about the movie magic? What about the laughter from strangers that fills a theater from a joke in the film? The movies create a sense of unity and bond through so many people in a room that is not the same at home. Most of this shift started from Covid-19. With movie theaters closed and people unable to leave their houses, people gravitated towards their following options. Today, with COVID-19 mandates being lifted and theaters reopened, people have yet to revert to their own ways, leading to a severe decline in theaters. Next time you’re watching a new movie at home that is in theaters, think about being a child, getting popcorn and candy, and sitting in the packed theater filled with excitement. Then think about how you might feel if suddenly that was all gone. 

Idea 2: 

Holiday traditions started in the early 19th and 20th centuries with Halloween, Christmas, Thanksgiving, and more. Let us look at Christmas, for example. The holiday started solely as a religious holiday to celebrate the birth of Christ, where people celebrated and partied and drank wine together while attending Church. This mainly was celebrated among the men, and it was a day where social classes essentially “disappeared” as all were welcomed into all homes to celebrate this day. As gift-giving was introduced in the 19th century, the holiday shifted to the main focus of gifts and Santa. While many people today still remember the true meaning of this holiday and celebrate Christ, the overall population has shifted to the alternate traditions of family meals, gifts from Santa, holiday movies, etc. 

Idea 3: 

Technology is only continuing to develop more and more as the years go on. While having advanced technology is beneficial in many aspects of life, such as communication with others, it has caused a significant shift in how people live their lives. It has allowed people to feel comfort in essentially “hiding behind a screen.” Daily conversation and knowing how to conversate in person has become a skill on a severe decline throughout people. Think about it: how times have changed. Remember those birthday party invites you handed out in class… Those are now evites and human interaction is not required. Calling friends to make plans and hang out has become a simple text over snap. It is also becoming fearful for the younger and newer generation to the world they are entering.  Will they enter a world immersed in technology and little to no interaction? Additionally, on a deeper level, technology has opened doors to bullying. People feel confident and brave behind the screen and essentially “do not care” who they hurt.