Coronation Street, as with other long-running soap operas, often reflects the social and cultural changes of its time. Since its inception in 1960, British society has indeed undergone significant transformations. The show has always aimed to represent the lives and struggles of the working class, which includes addressing various serious issues that affect people in real life, such as violence, health, relationships, and social dynamics.

The introduction of darker and more dramatic storylines can be seen as a way for the show to remain relevant and to keep the audience engaged by portraying realistic and relatable scenarios. Soaps often serve as a medium to explore sensitive topics, raise awareness, and spark discussions around them. By doing so, they can indeed act as a mirror to society, showcasing how we as humans deal with adversity, evolve, and sometimes struggle to maintain a balance between the good and the bad.

However, it's important to note that soap operas are also entertainment and their primary goal is to tell compelling stories that resonate with viewers. The inclusion of dramatic and sometimes traumatic events is a storytelling technique used to create tension, drive narratives, and maintain viewer interest. It is a fine line that soaps tread between reflecting reality and providing escapism.

While it may seem that the show has become more intense over the years, it's worth considering that the nature of television storytelling has also changed. Audiences today are exposed to a wider range of content with higher production values, and there is more competition for viewers' attention. This can lead to soaps like Coronation Street ramping up the drama to stand out.

Moreover, the increase in the frequency of episodes and the expansion of storytelling arcs means that there is more time to delve into complex issues. This can give the perception that the show is more violent or tragic compared to its earlier days when it aired less frequently and had shorter storylines.

In conclusion, while Coronation Street might reflect certain aspects of society, it is also a product of evolving storytelling techniques and audience expectations. The depiction of serious issues does not necessarily indicate that humans have lost the plot, but rather that these issues are part of the fabric of our lives, and the show is attempting to address them within its narrative. It's crucial to maintain perspective and recognize that soaps are a form of entertainment that can both reflect and influence societal norms and conversations. I personally would like to see much more lighter storylines because it helps people to escape the pain they are often surrounded with. I am not happy that soaps are normalizing violence as much as they do, like fires burning down buildings too often or guns being used too much. Lets see more fun, more inspiration and more hope.