There have been changes in the way things are done, and it is much easier for the younger people to adapt to these changes. Older generation who are not accepting this fact, or a few who are still not touched by these changes are finding it to be a difficult battle to keep alive the older customs, norms or traditions. Even from a technological point of view, things become old way too fast, unless and until they adapt to the changes. So this change is beyond technology as well. The question is, are we moving towards a new world order, and what it is going to be like?
To understand this, we need to ask a few questions. What are the pillars on which the society and the world rest on? What have been the changes on that front, and what are the changes in the different domains, which are propagating those changes. If we closely look at those, we may get a feeling of where we are heading.
Religion, that is at the core of the things has seen substantial changes. If we look at the writing that is produced, they are more of spiritual writings than that promoting a religion. They tell you how to lead a great life without quoting any religion or God. People also have shown that religion is not the prime thing in our lives. They may go to temples and pray, but the fanaticism is slowly disappearing, especially with the younger generation. Things are more to do with spirituality, than that with religion, and that also with fanaticism so far as religion is concerned.
Familial structures are changing as well. Forming a family is not at the top of the mind of the current generation, even for those who are in a relationship. They want to reach a certain level of comfort, and do a few more things before they plan to settle down in a family. Especially with both the partners working, children are also not of prime importance, and that can wait for sometime. Nuclear family has taken precedence over joint or bigger family, People like to lead a free life, without much intervention from anybody.
Technology also has seen the light of the day. Post the Industrialization Era, in the current age of technology, things are more of a fad, and the arena is highly competitive. Out of the technology firms that start, most of them keep struggling or bite dust in a few years. Most of what is served is a fad. Make quick money, and then get out of business. Technologies that leave a mark for a long term are few in numbers.
Due to the development in the medical area, lifespan of the people has also shot-up. Low cost medication makes managing diseases quite a breeze than it was s few decades ago. People take on to other jobs post retirement, which as not possible some time ago. If one if physically and mentally fit, there are people ready to hire employees with experience. So, life goes on even after the so called retirement.
Why is it that same things are happening all around the globe, more or less? It has got to do with the fact that the globe has actually shrunk. Ideas, technology, culture and information are flowing freely all across, and there are quite a few of adapters of these free flow. They would like the same kind of things to happen in their region. And this will keep on happening as there is virtually no censorship in almost all the regions of the world.
This is just to give a perspective to as to where we may be heading. It would be a good idea to read some recent journals on Sociology, technological advancement and cultural changes to name a few. And maybe also meet some of the learned people as to see what they are saying about these changes happening around. The changes are quite visible, and we need to wait and watch where it is all leading us to.
On a personal note, I think that anything that will cause a substantial amount of stress in the long term is going to be discarded by the people, be it religion, technology, party or politics. This is because long term stress is debilitating and counterproductive. It may take some people, some time to realize what is causing that stress, but as soon as they spot the culprit, they are going to stay away from it. Conditioning to certain things can happen but they are far few in numbers.
It is no denying the fact that a lot of people in current times are leading stressful lives, and they may choose to get back to the basics after sometime. One of the prime changes I see happening is people seeking comfort and solace in religion and spirituality, and cutting down on the extras in life and in general.
My 2 cents.