“Is Entitlement on the Rise in Singapore?” — Netizens Weigh In

SINGAPORE: A recent Reddit post by a Singaporean netizen has stirred up discussion on courtesy and entitlement after a minor incident during an elevator ride. The encounter left the poster questioning if people in Singapore are becoming more entitled.

In her story, she described an interaction with a middle-aged woman carrying a small box, who joined her in the elevator. Upon reaching the first floor, as the doors took a moment to open automatically, the woman commented, “Next time, you should press the open button for elderly.” The poster found this surprising, as the elevator doors open automatically. Reflecting on this, she asked, “What is this new sense of entitlement?”

To illustrate her point, she shared other similar situations she’s observed in recent months:

People scolding others for sitting on public transport, even if they aren’t elderly or in need.
Individuals attempting to enter escalators with large items like prams or luggage.
Pet owners neglecting to clean up after their pets in public places.
Parents allowing children to treat stores like playgrounds and encouraging disruptive behavior.
Diners ordering minimal items for large groups, then getting frustrated when reminded of minimum order policies.
Patients demanding immediate attention at clinics after missing their queue number.
Drivers misusing bus lanes when crossing the causeway.
Employees frequently taking medical leave, citing “mental health” as an excuse for side work when confronted.
Other Redditors added their own observations. One mentioned people blocking MRT doors and refusing to step aside to let others exit. Another shared frustration with drivers disregarding pedestrian crossings, endangering those waiting to cross.

Some also highlighted the use of phone speakers in public transportation, a behavior many find disruptive. Expanding on the discussion, one user suggested that these behaviors aren’t unique to Singapore. “I would say Singapore suffers from the same problems that any big, overcrowded city does,” he wrote, suggesting that high-density living may contribute to people becoming more insular and self-focused.

As the conversation grew, some netizens compared Singapore to cities like London and Tokyo, observing similar behaviors as a reaction to dense urban environments. Another user noted that people in smaller communities tend to be more considerate, holding doors for one another and displaying more patience on the road.

In such a fast-paced society, are these instances of entitlement simply byproducts of a bustling city environment, or are they signs of changing social norms? What would you add to the list?