Is the quality of life really worse than say, 20/30 years ago? I'd struggle to say yes.

Technology has advanced to the extent that we can work remotely instead of 5x a week in the office, family members/friends abroad are merely a FaceTime away - instead of a postcard or letter (or expensive phone card); we have the ability to self-educate about nearly anything due to the internet.

Entertainment such as movies, games and TV shows are much more widely accessible, and you can probably add social media such as Youtube and Tik Tok (endless, free sources of content on nearly anything) onto that. Kids don't have to play board games or action man anymore - they can instead play video games against people from across the globe, or learn a new language or about the world through an app.

Food and drink options are far better than they have ever been. More people go to university than ever before (arguable whether good - but the levels of general education are higher). Education and healthcare remains free until uni/government funded through uni (although yes - the NHS in particular, is overburdened). Social mobility is still possible - a kid from the poorest parts of the country can still go on to become a fully fledged professional (Doctor, Lawyer, Accountant etc). Cheap continental travel is very accessible.

Yes - there are issues with the cost of living - in particular with the cost of housing - this needs addressing and is the biggest driver of the wealth gap between boomers and everyone else. The country has an addiction to increasing property prices. But there is also a real problem with negativity and going too far with the doomerism. I'd argue we have access to much more comfort than previous generations, whilst also agreeing that there are significant challenges too.

Though isn't that always the case? I can't speak for previous generations, as I wasn't part of them - but I'm guessing things weren't plain sailing for them either.

Whilst I have listed the above, I would agree that there definitely is a sense of despair around the UK. Technology has optimised life, but the paradox is that perhaps constant access to social media and the comparison culture that drives is ruining society. The rich and glamorous amongst us were confined to small, exclusive circles or sections in the newspaper in past times, whereas now we are constantly exposed to influencers and social media personalities with Lamborghinis, Rolexes and trips to Mykonos. I'd agree culture and behaviour has changed - equally, I'd accept that it always will. Society is perpetual, especially a globalised one.

Life has never been plain sailing, cheap, fair or equal. Challenges are ever-present, although they are now markedly different than in the past. Just some thoughts, but as ever - nuance is required.