Our understanding of the world evolves over time, and it has led to us debunking once-accepted truths as new information emerges. In this article, we’ll explore a few beliefs from the ’60s that were widely accepted but have since been proven false.
Space Travel Routine by 2000
Predictions from the ’60s included common space tourism and colonization of the moon and Mars. The success of the space missions across the world fueled optimistic expectations, but financial and technological constraints have kept space travel much less common than previously thought.
Utopia of Communism
Many people once believed that communism would create a perfect society free from inequality and poverty. Soviet propaganda showcased supposed successes, but the reality of economic inefficiency and human rights abuses became apparent over time.
Supersonic Flight
The Concorde led to beliefs that supersonic flight would become widespread, and predictions included affordable and fast international travel for everyone. However, high costs and environmental concerns limited the expansion of supersonic flight.
Health Benefits of Smoking
In the past, advertisements and doctors endorsed smoking as a healthy activity. Cigarettes were marketed to relieve stress, but since then, the real dangers of smoking have come to our attention. According to Bupa, smoking increases the risk of many diseases such as cancer and heart disease.
Nuclear Power Promises
Nuclear energy was seen as the solution for cheap, limitless power – with claims it would lead to an era of advancement and prosperity. However, the risks were severely downplayed. Harvard University says that even without an accident, radioactive waste from nuclear power is extremely damaging and can give rise to cancer.
Gender Roles Were Unchangeable
In the 1960s, society widely accepted strict gender roles as biologically determined. Women were expected to be homemakers, and men were seen as the breadwinners. Feminist movements in later years challenged these long-held views, and gave way to a more progressive society.
Safety of DDT and Pesticides
DDT was thought to be a miracle pesticide, and was used in agriculture and even in homes without any concern for health effects. Later studies revealed its harmful environmental and health impacts, which led to bans and regulations.
Simple Solutions to Urban Problems
Urban projects promised to solve problems like crime and poverty with new infrastructure, but many of these projects led to the displacement of communities and destruction of cultural heritage. People soon realized that complex social issues required more than just new infrastructure.
LSD for Mental Health
LSD was thought to have serious potential as a psychiatric drug, as research suggested it could treat conditions like depression and alcoholism. Legal restrictions and cultural problems led to these scientific studies being halted, which stopped LSD being used to treat these conditions.
Computers Would Never Be Personal
Early computers were large, expensive, and only useful for governments or businesses. Not many people saw a future where individuals would own personal computers, but a revolution in the late 20th century transformed everyday life as people started purchasing computers for personal use at home.
Impossibility of Wireless Communication
Communication was thought to always rely on physical cables and infrastructure, and the idea of mobile phones and wireless internet was seen as ridiculous by many. Significant technological advances have now made wireless communication a part of everyday life.
Overpopulation Catastrophes
According to the National Institutes of Health, when the world population reached 3 billion in 1960, fears began to grow as the rate of population growth was unprecedented. People believed that overpopulation crises were on the horizon, but technological and agricultural advancements have so far prevented detrimental outcomes.
Automated Homes
People in the 1960s imagined futuristic homes with robots performing household tasks. While some smart home technology like the Amazon Echo and smart thermostats and lights exist, fully automated homes are definitely not the norm.
Cure-All Antibiotics
Antibiotics were seen as a miracle cure for all bacterial infections, and overprescription and misuse were not considered problematic. In recent years, the increase of antibiotic-resistant bacteria has highlighted the need for more cautious use.
Pros of Processed Foods
Processed foods were marketed as convenient and nutritious, with TV dinners and instant meals becoming staples in many 1960s households. However, studies showed that many processed foods contribute to health problems such as heart disease and diabetes. The NHS says that many processed foods contain high levels of salt, sugar, and fat.
Martian Canals and Alien Life
Early astronomical observations suggested the presence of canals on Mars, which were thought to point to the prior existence of intelligent life. In the future, improved telescopic technology and space missions debunked these myths.
Permanent Peace of the Nuclear Age
When the doctrine of mutually assured destruction (MAD) came about, people believed it would prevent any nuclear conflict. There was a sense of security that nuclear powers would avoid war at all costs, however, the threat of nuclear conflict remains a concern today.
The Decline of Traditional Media
1960s predictions stated that television and radio would completely replace newspapers and books. The convenience and immediacy of broadcast media were thought to make print obsolete. Even though it has transformed, traditional media still holds a significant presence.