You hear all this doom, gloom and fear about the US economy. It seems Americans are terrified of being without their Mcmansions, four vehicles, and pay-to-play games. This just proves to me we need a downcycle. Personally, I think the coming problems will make American’s lives healthier and happier. Just a few benefits I can think of right now:
1) People will have to take care of your own body instead of relying on medicine to fix everything. This means eating healthy, exercising and getting enough rest! Eventually companies will see this is the true path to reducing health care costs and creating a well-balanced, content society. The use of herbs, spices and other natural remedies will trump consumer drugs as they are cheaper and healthier.
2) I believe it will lower the divorce rate as living single becomes very uncomfortable. In the past, most marriages were about economic survival, not hormones. As jobs continue to be scarce, I believe we will see this trend grow. Those who choose to remain single will live with family. In many ways, this is already happening and it’s a good thing.
3) Extended families will live together for greater economic power. Most cultures on Earth do this, for exactly this reason. This will lead to closer, more meaningful relationships within families and a greater appriciation for both the young and the elderly.
4) People will develop healthy hobbies such as gardening, reading, cooking, table-top gaming and other activities that are cheap and healthy in the real world. Dependence on pay-to-play games or anything else that requires a fee to use is unhealthy and stupid. More people will be forced to leave their virtual game lives for real lives.
5) The near death of pay-to-play models might encourage the higher-ups to address our broken copyright system. Video games trying to push for the hottest graphics will become too expensive and game developers will once again be force to concentrate on gameplay vs flashy graphics. Microtransactions will replace monthly fees on most of the surviving MMORPGs
6) “Keeping up with the Jones” will be drastically reduced or eliminated as the SJ types realize they’ve been buying into a load of hog-wash. You are happier and more content when you get less of what you want. Why? Because you appreciate it more.
I’m not saying it’s going to be fun, but I do think Americans crave a break from the rampant consumerism that’s convinced us nothing is ever enough.
