Johann Hunt
There’s nothing worse than watching something you love get overrun by trends, inflated prices, or just too much hype. What used to be fun and unique suddenly feels overdone or inaccessible. We’ve all been there, right? Here are 20 things that were so much better before everyone jumped in.
Thrifting
Once a goldmine for unique vintage finds, secondhand shopping now feels like a treasure hunt with no treasure. Prices have skyrocketed thanks to influencers and resellers. What was then a quirky hobby has become an overhyped trend that’s lost its charm.
Airbnb
Booking a cozy stay felt like staying with a friend. These days, it’s all hidden fees, impersonal rules, and inflated prices. Local neighborhoods feel more like tourist traps, and the “home away from home” experience has been replaced by something that feels frustratingly corporate.
Pickleball
Casual fun on the court has turned into a scene filled with packed schedules, pricey gear, and competitive energy. Social media pros and long wait times have made it tough for beginners to enjoy the game without the pressure. It’s less about fun and more about clout now.
Superhero Movies
Didn’t we all love them? Seeing superheroes on the big screen was a rare thrill, but endless reboots and spin-offs have dulled the excitement. The constant churn of predictable stories makes each release feel less special. Franchise fatigue has become a reality for fans today.
National Parks
The peace of hiking in a national park has been replaced by crowded trails and traffic jams. Packed parking lots, selfie-taking tourists, and increased littering leave nature lovers frustrated. These serene landscapes are struggling to keep their natural beauty intact.
Crafting for Fun
Getting lost in a personal project back then felt so relaxing. Now, the pressure to monetize crafts or gain social media likes has turned a beloved hobby into another hustle. Creating for joy has taken a backseat to perfection and profit, draining the fun out of crafting.
BookTok Books
Social media gave books a new spotlight, but the spotlight isn’t always kind. Viral trends push poorly written or overly hyped novels to the top and disappoint avid readers. Books now often follow short-lived trends rather than offering substantial stories.
Concerts
There was a time when getting tickets to see your favorite band was pure excitement without breaking the bank. Today, that excitement has turned into a costly frustration. The magic of live music now feels like an expensive battle for seats and sanity.
Yoga Studios
Stretching and mindfulness have become expensive classes, designer mats, and endless selfies. The true essence of yoga—peace and self-care—has been overshadowed by commercialization, turning something that once nurtured the soul into a competition for clout and gear.
Food Trucks
Street food felt spontaneous and affordable when food trucks were rare finds. Today, trendy menus and inflated prices dominate the scene. What was about discovering delicious hidden gems has turned into a pricey, hyped-up dining experience that feels less special.
Craft Beer
Small breweries brought communities together with unique, local flavors. It is a mainstream commodity today, with large corporations diluting its authenticity. Higher prices and mass production have shifted the focus away from creativity and individuality.
Escape Rooms
These clever puzzle adventures were an exciting way to challenge yourself. Over time, repetitive themes and inflated prices have made escape rooms feel less innovative and more like generic group activities. The original creativity that made them fun is harder to find now.
Farmers’ Markets
Shopping for fresh produce and local goods at farmers’ markets felt wholesome and affordable. But now, Instagram-ready stalls and overpriced artisan products dominate the space, and locals searching for fresh food often find themselves priced out.
Streaming Services
With every network launching its own platform, watching your favorite shows means juggling fees and logins. The convenience and cost savings are gone, replaced by fragmented options that frustrate more than entertain.
Nashville
This city’s soulful music scene and authentic charm are harder to find among bachelorette parties and tourists. Rising housing costs and influencer culture have pushed locals aside, leaving the heart of Nashville with overcrowded hotspots that feel more staged than real.
Tacos & Tequila Bars
Tacos were once quick, affordable street food, but now they’ve become overpriced, overstyled trends. Trendy taco bars prioritize Instagram-worthy aesthetics and charge premium prices for simple dishes. The true simplicity and charm of tacos have gotten lost along the way.
Disney Parks
Magical family vacations at Disney parks have turned into logistical puzzles. Endless lines and constant upsells strip away the magic, leaving behind frustration. The pure joy of rides and meeting characters has been overshadowed by a relentless focus on profit.
Social Media Platforms
Logging in to share moments with friends feels like wading through ads, political rants, and influencer promotions. The fun of connecting has given way to comparison and competition, which leaves users drained and nostalgic for the simpler days of genuine interactions online.
Subscription Boxes
A curated box of surprises once felt exciting and personal. Today, however, repetitive themes and poor-quality items have taken over the subscription box market. Instead of joy, many boxes add to the clutter. Subscribers are beginning to question the value of what once felt like a special treat.
Thrifted Furniture Flipping
In recent times, resellers have driven up prices at thrift stores and have made it harder for low-income shoppers to find affordable options. Defeats the whole purpose, no? The charm of giving old items new life has been overshadowed by profit-driven flipping.