The world is changing. We are in a state of flux. What worked in the past no longer serves. Our tools are changing to keep up with our lifestyle. This is especially evident when it comes to vehicles. Having a vehicle as luxurious as a yacht would not have been possible just a few decades ago. Now, a growing number of people can have that same experience on land. Of course, not all of us will enjoy that kind of excess just as much as the next person. For those who love the open road, the ability to cruise at high speeds with no restrictions is what makes modern-day travel so exhilarating. Unfortunately, this also makes the open road a bit more dangerous. For those who enjoy thrills and spills, the risk of accident or injury makes the open road a dangerous place. It’s not just the open road, either. The world is becoming a smaller place, with more people meeting and connecting with others across continents and oceans. The need to travel quickly and efficiently has led to a resurgence of traditionalism and a fear of change.
Isolationism
In times past, travel would have been limited to those who could physically go somewhere. Those who couldn’t would have stayed at home. It was only those who could leave who stood a chance of making a difference and contributing to the betterment of humanity. Now, with the development of aircraft, ships, and the internet, travel is no longer limited to those who can get a passport or who can afford a vacation. Expanding your knowledge and understanding of other cultures and people is something that can be done remotely via video chat or an immersive virtual reality experience. This has led to the rise of a phenomenon known as “isolationism”. People are trying to avoid group dynamics as much as possible and seek out the quiet life in a small community where they can enjoy their own company without having to entertain or interact with other people. This is especially true when traveling to another country. Traveling abroad is something that has traditionally been done by journeying to another city or village. Now, with virtual reality, people can get an immersive experience of visiting other places without having to leave their homes. Google Earth and similar applications allow users to virtually visit anywhere. This is something that would have been unimaginable not too long ago.
Traditionalism
Change is good. It keeps us alive and helps us adapt to new situations and ways of living. That said, sometimes change is not something that we need to embrace. Instead, we can hold on to the ways of the past and protect what we know and love. This is especially evident in regard to our relationships. When things are working well, it’s easy to let go of the need to constantly have change. The issue arises when things aren’t working out as expected. In those cases, it can be hard to let go of the familiar and embark on something new. This is why people are turning to traditional institutions and seeking guidance from those who have gone before them. The world is becoming more conservative as people seek out the stability and security that comes with the known. This extends to the way we interact with technology. We are now able to maintain many of the positive aspects of modern life while also salvaging some of the quirks and idiosyncrasies of the past. For example, we have social media platforms that allow us to connect with others while also preserving the friendships and connections established via different forms of media in the pre-digital era. The key is to find the middle ground and know when to embrace change and when to hold on to the past. Sometimes it just takes a little bit of each to get where you need to go.
Mature Industry
When we think about the future of speedrunning, a word that immediately comes to mind is “mature”. In today’s world, many consider speedrunning to be a game. Kids play Pokémon Go while racing their favorite video game characters. Adults spend their Sunday afternoons playing racing games at the local arcade. If you think about it, this is pretty amazing. Games have come a long way since the days of Pong and Pac-Man. Today, the games are more sophisticated and offer much more depth. This is why when people think about speedrunning, they usually think about older gamers who spent years mastering the artistry of pressing buttons quickly and accurately to outrace the clock.
What is speedrunning? Simply put, it’s a type of game playing where the objective is to complete a task as fast as possible. Completing a task quickly is usually measured in terms of time. For example, in an eating contest, the person who finishes the meatiest meal wins. However, that’s not always the case. Sometimes, it’s about who consumes the most food. Sometimes, it’s about who spends the least amount of time doing the task. Sometimes, the person who finishes a given task first is the fastest. For those who love to eat, watching the experts is the best way to learn how to binge. Learning to cook is also a lot of fun when you do it with someone who cares about your wellbeing. Who cares about your wellbeing? Your significant other, that’s who. Being able to rely on your loved one rather than spending your free time training just to eat a nutritious meal is the perfect way to enjoy your old age. Developing an appreciation for food and drink is something that makes you a more mature individual.
Eco-Friendly and Sustainable
Traveling is often considered to be a luxury rather than a necessity, but that doesn’t mean it’s not responsible. As humans, it’s our responsibility to look after this planet we call home. When you’re traveling, you’re usually in transit. That means you’re in a place for a limited period of time rather than there to stay. The less you have to do with regards to creating a permanent impact, the better. That’s why when you’re on vacation, you try and limit your impact as much as possible. Driving a hybrid car or taking a train rather than flying is something that can easily be done to reduce your eco-footprint. These are just a few examples of how you can have a positive impact while you’re traveling. Not only that, but you can bring that positive impact back home with you. In some cases, this can mean a complete change in how you travel. Going green is a way of life that will serve you well in the long run.
Smart Choice
There will always be people who want to go faster and farther than anyone else. For those who love the open road and the feeling of getting away with no consequences, the appeal of traditional speedrunning is clear. That said, not everyone will have the skill set necessary to pull off amazing runs. For those who love to drive quickly and recklessly, the appeal of illegal street racing is also very clear. Racers are often associated with negative connotations, but in reality, they can be a lot of fun to watch when they’re performing at their best. This is why, in some countries, it’s considered to be a privilege to be a part of organized racing rather than a right or a requirement. There’s a lot of life out there that isn’t associated with a computer or a video game. Some prefer to live this life in the traditional way rather than look for shortcuts. The world is a bigger place than you think and there are plenty of ways stations can still exist in the modern era. Isolationism is a growing trend and it will be interesting to see how it plays out in the coming years.