Clay Travis and 'The Matrix' Think 1999 Was Better Than Today. Here's What OutKick Fans Had To Say

Was life better in 1999 than in 2024?

It's a fair question.

Despite obvious technological advancements and things becoming easier - does it actually make things better? And if we have it so good right now, then why are people still so damn miserable?

Our fearless leader, Clay Travis took on the debate head on (actually, he may have started it to be honest) and asked the world:

What is better in 2024 than in 1999? 

WAS LIFE EASIER IN 1999?

Clay referenced that in 1999, The Matrix came out in theaters and is based on two civilizations - one set in the future and one that was set at the peak of humanity. (Meant to be present-day 1999)

My immediate thought is that it does seem that things were better off in 1999. 

From a national standpoint, the biggest thing people were worried about was Y2K - which ended up being a bigger bust than my NCAA bracket. It was also pre-Bush vs Gore ballot drama which I contend was the start of modern-day divisiveness. Surprise, surprise, 25 years later, we still haven't made our elections foolproof and are still dealing with ballot issues.

But as far as actual inventions and more - what is better?

WHAT INVENTIONS ARE BETTER TODAY?

I'd agree with Clay that Uber has made things tremendously better for everyone. I'd add Venmo as well - no longer are you cash strapped, running around trying to find an ATM that's going to charge you a ridiculous fee. Whether it's buying something, splitting a check with buddies, or helping with that Uber - Venmo has made things great. 

Here are some other ones the OutKick faithful had to say:

WE ARE MORE ALONE NOW THAN EVER BEFORE

Hundreds of fans wrote in their opinions, but the overwhelming majority seemed to agree with Clay that things don't seem better off. Some people appreciate the iPhone and the Internet, but with that comes plenty of negative aspects - social media, AI, doctored photos, privacy concerns, hackers being able to cause more damage, as well as the sheer mental toll that it's put on many. 

Sometimes I wish I could just have a dial-up modem and hop on the ol' America Online. Don't you?

I think "OldDogGolf" nailed it when he said that going to the dentist is easier. Medical advancements have made things MUCH better - from a functionality standpoint to being able to get results much quicker to just procedures and recovery not being nearly as painful. 

I mean hell, remember metal braces?!

Sometimes simplicity is better than the newest gadget with all the flashing lights and chaos. Sure, there are a lot of things that make going through life more convenient today - especially when you're talking about your daily routine, mundane tasks - but overwhelmingly, it seems that a lot of what we have - we just have. Which begs the question. Would we even miss it if we didn't know it existed in the first place?

WHAT'S YOUR OPINION? ARE YOU TEAM 1999 OR TEAM 2024? AND WHAT IS BETTER NOW THAN BEFORE? Tweet me: @TheGunzShow or email me Michael.Gunzelman@OutKick.com with your thoughts!