The Downside of Popularity
We recently explored how popularity can spoil once-enjoyable experiences. Readers shared additional examples of activities and places that deteriorated as they became trendy. Here are their stories.
Fast Food and Dining
Fast-food chains, once affordable and tasty, now offer overpriced, low-quality meals. A 21-year-old from Mississippi lamented, "They used to be cheap and serve good-quality food. Now they're barely edible and cost a leg and an arm." Similarly, Friskie Fries in Rhode Island jumped from $10 to nearly $20 per serving as demand surged.
Travel Destinations
Las Vegas in the 1980s and early 1990s was relaxed, with casinos set back from the Strip and empty lots. Now, corporate greed has transformed it into a crowded, overpriced spectacle. A 55-year-old from Nebraska noted, "It used to be about themed resorts and cheap buffets. Now it's overpriced drinks and glass office buildings." Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, lost their Appalachian charm due to commercialization and high costs.
Recreational Activities
Disc golf has become overly competitive, with players using excessive gear. A 43-year-old from California recalled, "Twenty-five years ago, we just grabbed a bag and headed into the woods. Now, it's overrun with people dragging strollers full of discs." The Renaissance Faire, once a gathering of hippies and craftspeople, is now dominated by corporations.
Entertainment and Media
Disneyland has become unaffordable for average families, with high ticket prices and expensive food. A 65-year-old from California said, "Walt Disney would roll over in his grave." Concerts are now overpriced; a 75-year-old from Arizona remembered seeing Jimi Hendrix for $3. Streaming services like Netflix have fragmented, leading to higher costs for less content.
Other Observations
Holidays have become overly monetized, with decorations appearing as early as October. Backpack and shoe brands now sell low-quality items at inflated prices. Even ice cream has become expensive, with a quart costing $16. College and graduate programs have also become prohibitively costly.
What other good things have been ruined by popularity? Share your thoughts in the comments.
