In 1924, newspapers made predictions about the future that were both accurate and inaccurate.

As we look towards the future, it's intriguing to think about the predictions that were made way back in 1924. Back then, it was a popular trend for newspapers to imagine what life would be like in 100 years – that is, in 2024. And surprisingly, some of those predictions are not too far off from what we see today.

These clippings, some of which were spot on while others were a bit outlandish, were recently shared on social media by Paul Fairie, a researcher at the University of Calgary. One particularly accurate prediction is the city of the future, which foresaw the prevalence of automobiles and ever-moving sidewalks. However, the idea that these cars would lead to the extinction of horses has not come to fruition, much to our relief.

Another prediction that has definitely come true is the popularity of tattoos. In fact, a recent YouGov poll found that more than a quarter of people in the UK now have tattoos. This was foreseen in 1924, when it was anticipated that "debutantes will dye their skin all the colours of the rainbow". And not only have tattoos become mainstream, but we've also seen a rise in colorful hair, much like the "Victorian debutante concealed her personality under voluminous hoops and draperies".

While we may take it for granted now, it's interesting to note that in 1924, radios were seen as a boring form of entertainment. The prediction was that in 2024, Americans would laugh at radios. But now, it's not just radios that bring the laughs – it's also podcasts, which have become increasingly popular.

Moving on to the more outlandish predictions, we have beds that automatically fling children out in the morning and people effortlessly hopping from planet to planet. While these may seem far-fetched, it's worth noting that we have seen advancements in technology that have made our daily tasks easier and space travel a possibility. Another prediction that has become a reality is the longer life expectancy, with 100 years being seen as the new norm and 75 years considered young.

But not all predictions have come to fruition. For example, it was thought that movies would bring about world peace by creating a sense of brotherhood among people. However, this has not yet been accomplished by Hollywood. And while some may find it endearing, there were also predictions of flying clothes and men's legs withering away from underuse, similar to the movie Wall-E.

And finally, in 1924, it was predicted that diamond engagement rings would be replaced with hundreds of pounds of sugar. While this may seem bizarre, it's worth noting that our society's views on love and marriage have evolved over time, making this prediction not entirely far-fetched.

As we look towards the future, it's always interesting to reflect on the predictions that were made in the past. Who knows, maybe some of the more outlandish ones will become a reality in the years to come. One thing is for sure – it's always exciting to think about what the future may hold.

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