[CmdrShep2154 (OP)]

It seemed like from the 2000s-early 2010s there was an great increase of risk aversion.

https://practicalfreespirit.com/2011/09/06/to-infinity-and-beyond/ [nofollow]

"Sometime in the last few months, I read someone’s Tweet about space travel. I don’t remember who it was, but they said something to the effect of how science fiction set in space felt irrelevant or dated to them. Like it was nostalgia and nothing more."

Human spaceflight and space themed sci fi, a anachronism? What a sad mindset!

The events of the 2000s has given society the right to be risk averse and more cynical for the future but is this risk aversion holding humanity back?

There also seemed to be an increase of materialism as evidenced by the reality show craze of the late 2000s/early 2010s. Interesting it happened during the financial crisis.

Large portions of society still struggle after the 2008 crash but it seems like there is a portion of society that is well off and doesn't seem to care.

Nice house in a safe suburban neighborhood, German made car, cushy office job, nice vacations each year, etc.

Life is good enough already, so why dream of a "Star Trek" like future?

That is the reality show demographic.

[Eternal Student]

Hi.

   Not sure I've spoken to you before.   I'm also not at all sure what sort of response you wanted.

   I don't think the average man or woman in "society" has a lot to do with developing spaceflight and a star trek style future.   I've always assumed the governments have much more control and influence over that.    When there is a drive, such as in the "space race" between  let's say 1955 - 1969,  amazing things happen and amazingly quickly.
    As such, I'm not sure that development will be significantly influenced by how materialistic or risk-averse I am or you are.

Best Wishes.