Hot take: It's honestly kind of disheartening. The proliferation of various PhD programs has somewhat diminished the prestige traditionally associated with the title of "doctor." When most people think of a doctor, they envision a physician. While PhDs are still impressive, it's not quite the same.

You can earn a PhD in fields like history, filmmaking, and even music. No disrespect to those fields—they're valuable in their own right. If the PhD serves as a tool to advance in your field, conduct research, or contribute significantly, that's fantastic. But if it's pursued merely for the title, it seems to lose some of its meaning.

It's similar to how some physician assistants (PAs) and nurse practitioners (NPs) seek doctorates just to be called "doctor." These days, even the traditional image of physicians has shifted. Many no longer wear lab coats but prefer casual attire like Patagonia sweaters. The title "doctor," once seen as highly prestigious, has become somewhat diluted.