We and 18th century novelty

The fragile reputation, the obsession for outward beauty of woman, scandal monger society, flippant man-woman relation, all these characteristics of that society were portrayed in literature to ridicule the aristocracy's colourful world of deception. While studying these pieces, what strikes me repeatedly is that our modern society is an imitation of the 18th century upper class English society.

Are not scandals our favourite topic of gossiping? Don't we judge people (especially woman) mostly by their looks and outfits?

Are not we too serious about our dressing tables and in competing others in buying foreign cosmetics? Don't the younger generation take man-woman relationship (sorry for generalisation) as mere games? Like then, it still feels nice to have a date with someone from the opposite sex.