Why Modern Life is Rubbish 😅 #345
Rock n' Roll English
Deep Dive
Why do the hosts think modern life is rubbish?
The hosts, both recently turned 40, discuss various annoyances of modern life, such as unskippable YouTube ads, being asked for tips when buying a drink, and the need to book everything in advance, which kills spontaneity. They also mention the constant notifications from apps and the over-reliance on technology like smart gadgets and apps for everyday tasks.
What is the issue with tipping culture in the UK according to the hosts?
The hosts criticize the tipping culture in the UK, particularly when using card machines at pubs or bars. They find it awkward and unnecessary to be prompted to add a gratuity before even receiving the service, especially for simple tasks like pouring a drink. They feel pressured to tip even when it doesn't feel justified.
What are the hosts' opinions on smart gadgets and notifications?
The hosts find smart gadgets and constant notifications annoying and unnecessary. They question the need for Wi-Fi-enabled toasters and discuss how smartwatches and apps bombard users with irrelevant updates, which can be distracting and overwhelming. They prefer a simpler, less tech-dependent lifestyle.
Why do the hosts dislike the trend of using apps and QR codes in restaurants?
The hosts dislike the trend of using apps and QR codes in restaurants because it disrupts the traditional dining experience. They prefer physical menus and interacting with waiters rather than scanning codes and ordering through apps, which they find impersonal and often unreliable due to poor Wi-Fi connections.
What is the hosts' stance on unskippable YouTube ads?
The hosts find unskippable YouTube ads extremely annoying. They rarely watch the ads and always skip them as soon as possible. They compare this to the old days of TV ads, where viewers had no choice but to sit through them, and express frustration at the modern expectation to endure even short ads.
What does the term 'elephant in the room' mean, as used in the podcast?
The term 'elephant in the room' refers to an obvious problem or difficult situation that everyone is aware of but avoids discussing. In the podcast, it is used to describe the awkwardness of refusing to add a tip when prompted by a card machine at a bar.
What does it mean to 'dilute' something, as mentioned in the podcast?
To 'dilute' something means to make it weaker or less pure. In the podcast, the host mentions turning down sponsorship offers to avoid diluting the podcast, meaning he didn't want to compromise its quality or authenticity by adding too many ads.
Shownotes Transcript