In 2011, 27 million pieces of content were shared online every day. Today, no less than 3.2 billion images are shared on a daily basis. It takes us a mere couple of seconds to snap a picture, and we’re not limited to a roll of film anymore. As a consequence, we snap pictures of everything, and sometimes we can’t keep them to ourselves.
Bright Side has a game for you — we prepared a list of images and your task is to figure them out without reading the explanation. Are you in?
1. “I wondered what my dad’s prosthetic finger would look like on my toe.”
2. “I don’t paint often, so I was really proud of myself for remembering to wear gloves this time.”
3. “My roommate thought I made cinnamon rolls. I actually made bacon. He was not happy with his finger scoop.”
4. “My treadmill kicked all the dirt from my shoes into a ’heavy’ and a ’light’ pile.”
5. “The fog during my flight makes the city seem like it hasn’t rendered.”
6. “The imprint of me lying face down in the snow looks like it’s actually popping out from the snow.”
7. “The border of my tattoo turned into a stretch mark during my first pregnancy. Now it looks 3D.”
8. “This truck looks like it came out of a wormhole. It’s actually carrying a wind turbine blade.”
9. “I got a cramp on the side of my hand, and you can actually see it.”
10. “I took a photo of my new faucet LED the exact moment it turned from red to green (or green to red).”
11. This is what a scan of a moving hand looks like.
12. “These aren’t actually bricks, it’s just white paint on red cement.”
13. “This tire went flat, was driven on, damaging the sidewalls, and then reinflated.”
14. “I made a snowman out of a melting paste. Here it is after an hour.”
15. “This is what happens when you wear socks and shoes outside every day for 20 years.”
16. “Shaved my hands, probably shouldn’t have. I just felt like my hands were too hairy.”
17. “Discovered that my tooth implant doesn’t glow like the rest of my teeth under a black light — regular photo for comparison.”
Which of these pics got you guessing about its backstory? What’s the last picture you took on your phone that only makes sense if you explain it? Share it with us in the comments.
A beach in the 70’s. Not one over weight body. My, how the food industry destroyed us.
The Transformation of Our Bodies and Diets
In the 1970s, a visit to the beach was a showcase of lean, active bodies. People of all ages enjoyed the sun, surf, and sand with a level of fitness that seemed effortless. Fast forward to today, and the scene has drastically changed. The prevalence of overweight and obese individuals has skyrocketed, painting a stark contrast to the svelte figures of the past. This shift prompts us to examine the role of the food industry in this dramatic transformation.
The 1970s: A Different Era of Eating
During the 70s, the typical diet was markedly different from what we see today. Meals were often home-cooked, with fresh ingredients forming the backbone of family dinners. Processed foods were available but not ubiquitous. Fast food chains were fewer, and eating out was considered a treat rather than a regular occurrence. Portion sizes were smaller, and sugary snacks were less prevalent in households.
Physical activity also played a significant role in the lives of people in the 70s. Without the convenience of digital entertainment, children and adults alike spent more time outdoors, engaging in physical activities. Walking, cycling, and participating in sports were common pastimes.
The Rise of Processed Foods
The landscape began to change with the rise of processed foods and fast food chains in the late 20th century. The food industry, driven by profit, began to prioritize convenience and shelf-life over nutritional value. High-fructose corn syrup, hydrogenated oils, and an array of artificial additives became staples in many foods. These ingredients made food cheaper and more accessible but also less healthy.
Marketing strategies targeted at children and busy adults further entrenched these unhealthy eating habits. Fast food advertisements promised quick, tasty meals at low prices, and snack companies created products that were hard to resist due to their high sugar and salt content. This aggressive marketing, combined with the convenience of ready-made meals, led to a significant increase in the consumption of unhealthy foods.
The Impact on Public Health
The consequences of these changes in diet have been profound. Rates of obesity have soared, bringing with them a host of health problems, including diabetes, heart disease, and various forms of cancer. According to the World Health Organization, worldwide obesity has nearly tripled since 1975. In many countries, the number of overweight children and adolescents has increased tenfold over the same period.
The food industry’s influence extends beyond what we eat to how we perceive food. Portion sizes have increased dramatically, and the notion of what constitutes a normal serving has become distorted. Additionally, the emphasis on convenience has led to a decline in cooking skills, with many people relying heavily on pre-packaged meals and fast food.
Moving Towards a Healthier Future
Addressing this issue requires a multifaceted approach. Public awareness campaigns can educate people about the dangers of processed foods and the benefits of a balanced diet. Governments can implement policies to regulate the marketing of unhealthy foods, particularly to children, and promote healthier options. Schools can play a crucial role by providing nutritious meals and incorporating nutrition education into their curricula.
On an individual level, making a conscious effort to prepare meals from fresh ingredients, controlling portion sizes, and increasing physical activity can help counteract the damage done by the food industry. Embracing a lifestyle reminiscent of the 70s, where home-cooked meals and outdoor activities were the norm, can pave the way towards a healthier society.
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