Why was life so much better in 1982?

Because Black Lives Matter didn’t exist.

Was it? I’d just graduated in the worst recession for 50 years and didn’t have a job.

I don't think it was better

You're the one saying it so you explain it .

Well, for me, it was because I was in college with some tens of thousands of people of similar age and circumstances so a lot of fun to be had.  There was nothing inherently and objectively better about the time though.  It was only my subjective condition.

It depends on who you are and where you live.Things like that.When you are young everything is exciting and happy but then you grow up and realize the world we live in is not nice.I guess life is better even today for many people in the world.Its always that someone has a good life and a bad life sometimes.Life is not a rock.Its fluid and always changes.

No internet.   Is my guess.

As people age, they tend to think their youth was better because they were part of a scene, healthier, more energetic, and everything seemed new and exciting. For some people, their best years were earlier (such as high school) or later, even now, but for most, put yourself as a 22 year old in any year and you'll feel that life was better then.

no internet and technology 

Not my life that's for damn sure LMAO...I'd much rather be 40 now than a 2 year old back then!!!