59 Social Norms That Should Stop Being Normalized

Just because something is legal doesn’t make it ethical. And just because society accepts or rejects certain things doesn’t automatically make them objectively right or wrong. No society is ever ‘perfect’ and there will always be aspects of it that could stand to be improved. However, some widely accepted things are so toxic that it’s a wonder how they ever became commonplace.

Redditor u/Nebulaud recently asked the AskReddit community to share the social norms that they personally think deserve to disappear from the world, for good. Many internet users rushed to vent their frustrations, and we’ve collected their most interesting takes. Scroll down to check them out, and if you agree with any of these opinions, give them an upvote.

Bored Panda reached out to the author of the important discussion, u/Nebulaud, for their thoughts on shifting social norms, the most problematic things that are accepted that shouldn't be, as well as how to have a healthier work-life balance. You'll find our full interview with them as you read on.

#1

The one where women don't get to decide what to do with their own uteruses.

Image credits: mom_with_an_attitude

According to the author of the thread, they decided to ask the question online after thinking about how societal standards change over time. "Things that are normal today can become abominable as time passes as more about it is known by the general public. Other things that people judge now will become more accepted," u/Nebulaud told Bored Panda.

A major issue that the redditor sees in this day and age is how much screen time children get and the type of content they're exposed to. "The internet is not a babysitter," they said.

"At first, I thought that giving your child unrestricted access to a tablet as an excuse to rarely pay attention to them was a rare thing, but I kept seeing it happen more and more. It describes my childhood, but I now often see small children and toddlers watch things that are clearly too disturbing to be consumed at such a young age."

They gave an example that they think is particularly problematic: "The current big thing is Sprunki, which is a bait-and-switch horror Incredibox mod with colorful characters that devolves into a gory hellscape once you get to Black. An interesting concept, but not one suitable for the children that YouTube pushes it towards with its algorithms," they explained.

#2

Having a bigger problem with the victim who's complaining than the perpetrator who's behaving badly.

Image credits: beulahbeulah

#3

Sharing everything in your life online for strangers to look at.

Image credits: throwRA-disabledbrit

"There are also other media that are pushed by algorithms, like other horror games, provocative music videos, politics, f****h games, true crime, etc. These also still appear on the YouTube Kids app. Other parts of the internet are also unsafe for kids due to both people assuming that most users are at least teenagers and people seeking out kids to exploit," u/Nebulaud explained that some violent or adult content that people are "frequently baited into" can "scar even grow adults."

From u/Nebulaud's perspective, social norms should benefit the society they are in. "If they start causing more harm than good, lose their purpose, or were never good in the first place, then they should go instead of remain as an annoying husk," they told us.

"Ones that I hate but weren't in the thread are children being viewed as subhumans unworthy of respect, changing your mind being viewed as shameful, being expected to be fully informed of and take a side on every political issue you never heard of, automatically hating people you don't understand, and mental health being viewed as expendable."

#4

Working beyond your assigned work hours. If I arrive on time, I should be able to leave on time. Ofcourse, a bit of stretch every once in a while is okay but this hustle culture of working 18 hours a day and wearing pride in eyes that look like they have been smacked hard and nice - this norm needs to be challenged and eradicated for good.

Image credits: GaloutiKababs

#5

Not accepting aging. 20-year-old girls shouldn't be getting 'preventative Botox,' and actresses showing signs of aging shouldn't lose jobs. 'Aging like milk' shouldn't be a saying at all. Normalize aging in general.

Image credits: anonymous

#6

In the US, tipping.

Image credits: Biomax315

Bored Panda asked u/Nebulaud for their thoughts on developing better boundaries and a healthier work-life balance. "If you can, find ways to permanently make work easier. Find more efficient tools and techniques that help cut out the grind or make working less complicated. However, do not do too much at once unless you're ok with the company possibly increasing your workload. Try to reduce the mental labor," they shared.

Something else to consider is figuring out a "plan B job in case you get fired or your job gets too bad to continue." It might be worth doing this even if you don't have to use it, as "it will boost your confidence because you have a possible safety net."

The author had some more practical advice that all employees should keep in mind. "If a boss is particularly bad, document what they do wrong and send it to the higher-ups or HR if your company actually has a good one. If you are talking to a higher-up, mention both the proof of abuse and how the boss's misbehavior is reducing efficiency, thus costing money. If the boss breaks the law, also involve the respective government agency."

#7

"Respect your elders"

An elderly a*****e is still an a*****e.

Image credits: Arandombritishpotato

#8

Men not having/ showing emotions.

Image credits: anon

#9

Being guilted into being ‘the bigger person to keep the peace’ - you shouldn’t have to sacrifice your own peace for someone else’s.

Image credits: letmehauntyourdreams

People’s relationship with their jobs is an excruciating point for many of them. What employees want is fairly easy to grasp but hard to implement in practice: purposeful and meaningful work, a salary you can live on with dignity, career opportunities, a decent work-life balance, friendly colleagues, and an empathetic boss, to name just a few.

Instead, many workers have to fight against burnout, anxiety, overtime, toxic workplace environments, and being undervalued and underpaid. It’s no wonder that many people feel demotivated about their jobs and the entire work industry as a whole.

If you can barely make ends meet and have no time or energy left to be with your loved ones or to enjoy life, then what exactly is the point of working hard? People understandably get frustrated when the balance is skewed in others’ favor instead of their own.

Burnout essentially means that employees feel chronically exhausted, distance themselves from their work, and become negative or cynical about their jobs. In short, poorly managed workplace stress leads to reduced professional efficacy, according to the World Health Organization.

#10

Tablets for little kids. We need to keep screen time to a minimum for all the little beans. It is disrupting their brain.

Image credits: BillAdamaFanClub

#11

Asking women when/if they’re going to have children or if they want children. It’s such a personal question that I’m surprised people still ask.

Image credits: the_unkola_nut

#12

Saying “boys will be boys.”.

Image credits: BarbaraSandra48

Employees who are burned out don’t just do worse professionally, they are also more often absent from their jobs, have lower job satisfaction, and can struggle with long-term physical and mental health problems.

The American Psychological Association states that in 2021, 79% of employees reported work-related stress in the month before the survey. Meanwhile, over half of the respondents said that this work-related stress had negative impacts on them, such as a lack of interest/motivation/energy (26%), as well as a lack of effort at work (19%).

#13

Being expected to be 'available' at all times. Work chasing you home, work messages at all hours of the day and night.

Messages on vacation, sick days etc.

Image credits: StillSimple6

#14

Forcing kids to hug or show affection to relatives they're uncomfortable with. Teaching boundaries and consent from a young age is way more important than avoiding a moment of awkwardness at family gatherings.

Image credits: kyotopa549

#15

Overpriced engagement rings.

Image credits: MaryVixen17

Furthermore, 36% of workers said they experienced cognitive weariness, 32% revealed that they were emotionally exhausted, and 44% reported physical fatigue.

Meanwhile, SHRM’s Employee Mental Health in 2024 Research Series revealed that 44% of American employees feel burned out at work. 45% feel emotionally drained and 51% actually feel ‘used up’ at the end of their workday.

Burned-out workers are thrice as likely to be actively looking for another job than employees who don’t suffer from burnout. On top of that, burnout means that a person is less likely to go above and beyond what’s expected of them at work.

#16

Weddings.

Wedding culture under late stage capitalism is insane. Let’s normalize not asking your friends and family to shell out thousands of dollars or go into debt out of obligation. What happened to going to a local bar for a bachelorette party? Why are we planning 5 day trips to Miami?

Image credits: CleverQuill02

#17

Never speak ill of the dead.

Image credits: _ReDd1T_UsEr

#18

Overconsumption. I think mindful consumption is so important. Yes, you can spend money on things but I think it should be things you really really value. It clutters up your mindspace, your home environment and the environment environment. There are so many ways to get your dopamine rush. Like you can even buy really quality clothes second hand on poshmark and the real real and they can be priced at shein and aliexpress prices but way better quality and elongates the garment’s life. I personally got into social work and also volunteering in my own time and I just don’t have a need for endless things anymore.

Image credits: DisciplineBoth2567

“If you consider how many workers are feeling burned out and the direct and indirect effects burnout has on an organization, it should really raise a red flag to organizational leaders,” explained senior SHRM researcher Daroon Jalil.

According to SHRM, some ways to address burnout include staying optimistic throughout any challenges you face, giving yourself some credit, reframing your perceptions and expectations, limiting your demands, and leading a healthy lifestyle.

#19

Work coming before mental health.

Image credits: OwnPainting7487

#20

Not talking about your pay to coworkers.

Image credits: Gresvigh

#21

Looking at your phone while talking to other people.

Image credits: TornadoXyz6429

#22

Demanding new hires have experience for entry level jobs that would give them said experience. Obviously, plenty of jobs *must* require prior experience, but many of the ones that do, really don't.

Image credits: Chunk_Cheese

#23

Sharing the most personal things, CRINGIEST and stupid stuff for the sole purpose of getting views on social media.

Image credits: TraditionalAd4255

#24

Calling ambitious women “bossy.”.

Image credits: LisaSiren95

#25

Everything always needing to be positive.

Image credits: tjonkert

#26

Tipping on self checkout/retail/fast food just because the iPad told you to. Also not putting a custom tip when the options are 30%, 40% and 50% of the post tax total.

Image credits: tubemaster

#27

Lip fillers, Botox, artificial eyebrows and other manufactured “beauty”. It’s too much pressure on young people and creating a superficial anti aging agenda instead of balanced wellness and healthy attitudes.

Image credits: OneConsciousLife

#28

40 hour work week. It's high time for 4 day, 32 hours work weeks.

#29

Shaking hands probably isn't the best idea. There's a shameful number of people who don't wash their hands after using the toilet.

Image credits: CaratacusBambino

#30

There are a few that come to mind:

Having kids - not everyone wants them

Tipping - pay your workers a living wage

Entry level jobs that require years of experience.

Image credits: FunAmphibian1033

#31

Assuming elders hate tech.

Image credits: LindaElizabeth496

#32

“Man up” mentality.

#33

Pressure to post on social media.

Image credits: JenniferNancy466

#34

Toxic positivity. I struggle to find spaces where I can let my problems out so I can get help.

Image credits: TheRexRider

#35

Long goodbyes. When I say it’s time to go I am ready TO LEAVE. The midwestern politeness thing where you say goodbye five times and it takes an hour needs to gtfo.

Image credits: weaselodeath

#36

Prioritizing traditions over progress.

#37

Paying for someone else on a first date.

Image credits: muminebaver

#38

I feel like a lot of things are outdate rn. But the one which triggers me the most, is that you have to be extremely polite when talking about money. Like, you get asked - "How much do you want to earn from this job", and you cannot just say a number straight up, you have to write a whole essay in the end of which you will be able to actually answer the question. And if you don't do it, everyone thinks that you are not polite.

Like what's the problem? Money were invented to be used, the way they are used. Why can't we just get straight to the point?

Image credits: Useful_Base5707

#39

Judging mental health struggles.

#40

Telling people you're doing okay when they ask how you're doing when you're not doing okay.  F**k that.


Person 1:  How are you today?


Person 2:  S****y, how you doing?

Image credits: reignwillwashaway

#41

Gendering chores.

#42

People paying it forward in drive-thrus. You order a soda and end up paying 50 for someone else.

Image credits: Tikithecockateil

#43

Getting sh*tfaced every weekend in your late teens and early 20’s.

Image credits: djnastynipple

#44

The “friend zone” complaint.

#45

Dismissing feelings as “too sensitive.”.

#46

Having work be your identity. The first thing many people ask when meeting someone is "what do you do?".

#47

Shaming online daters.

#48

Glossing over bad bosses.

#49

“Real job” stereotypes.

#50

Ignoring workplace burnout.

#51

Saying things you don’t mean to be polite (such as as let’s hang out sometime).

#52

Romanticizing being broke.

#53

Assuming women wear makeup daily.

#54

Hugging strangers.

#55

Assuming all men love cars.

#56

Assuming marriage is a goal.

#57

Judging how people spend money.

#58

Saying "bless you" after someone sneezes. I haven't said it in probably 20 years and I encourage everyone to stop immediately. Let's make this happen.

Image credits: Rest_and_Digest

#59

Ignoring workplace diversity.