My disappearing world

Remember when, in 1982, you had to wait a week to see the finale of the series Dallas ? Remember when, that same year, you could only enjoy the latest single from the hottest artists on Saturdays on the music show Aplauso ? Remember the sociological phenomenon that was the premiere of ET , with endless lines at the theaters waiting to see the alien and his flying bike?

These memories and experiences belong to the past, and I don't think they'll ever happen again. Especially after reading a news story that, for the first time, in the US (which sets the tone for everything, and for everyone) , streaming platforms have surpassed conventional and cable television . The suspicion that has been lingering in my head for some time, and against which I've struggled, is confirmed: this is the new reality, and there's no going back.

My way of watching television for as long as I can remember, whether leisurely or informative, is becoming more conspicuous by its absence every day. It's also my fault, I admit. It's impossible to turn your back on reality, even if you don't entirely like it sometimes.

Over the last month, I've found myself binge-watching the first season of Yellowstone in one sitting, in the same afternoon or evening. I feel like if I don't watch it in a row, I won't remember when I pick it up again. Is it just a matter of age? Am I starting to lose my memory? No. I've succumbed to the imposition of new standards of social behavior. Progress is making my previous world disappear. And it all has a domino effect : after television, cinema will come. And then, radio. And then, everything will change. It's always happened. In fact, it's already happening.

Now, the biggest piece of nonsense you've ever said on a podcast is cited as a source of information; it's now more important to be in the digital edition of a newspaper than the print edition (I refuse to do this; I won't accept that) . Even my mother tells me about "apps" so I can watch The Promise whenever it's convenient for her. We'll have to get used to it, there's no other way. Gone are the days of old-fashioned movie premieres. In fact, more series are released than movies. Gone are the days of promotional visits by international artists on music shows. Well, they don't exist on TV schedules anymore.

In short, I feel like those 19th-century Montana cowboys riding their horses to Helena, staring in amazement at the cars patrolling the streets. I'm not against progress, but I do champion the coexistence of all the advances made throughout history. Coexistence makes life happier for everyone.