Wow, @Pete28 thanks so much for posting this- very interesting, well-researched and well-written. And sad.
I remember reading once that Bill Gates eats at McDonalds no matter where he travels. This actually didn't surprise me- even though he's loaded, he is still just a computer nerd, who are known for existing on pizza, take-out, cheezies and Red Bull. And aren't known for being particularly adventurous, except when it comes to pioneering new internet platforms and programs.
I also remember about 10 years back when teensy tiny bedside tables were the trend. There was literally no space on them for anything but a small bedside lamp, no space for an alarm clock, a glass of water, face cream, the change you emptied out of your pockets, or even a book, all the detritus normal people usually use their bedside table for. Completely and utterly absurd and useless, yet featured in all the decor magazines.
I think it is indicative of the times we live in that so many people now can't feel comfortable in surroundings that aren't familiar, and have little interest in stepping outside their own personal comfort zone, or stretching themselves to have new and completely different experiences. Their faces are buried in their devices, their "friends" are digital, and they have disengaged from the real world.
