The difference nowadays is that everyone is much more anxious. Every single activity goon mentioned seems so fun because it was done with excessive fear of negative outcome. (Fear is what the ego uses to control our decisions.)
But it's inevitable that the ego will grow disproportionately in the evolution of our species. It started in the 80's and has grown exponentially since. But that's not a bad thing. It's sort of like a kid going through growing pains. It will lead somewhere better on the other side.
