When DOOL started, many women were staybaat home moms who wanted to be taken away to al life very different than the one they were living. Stories were full of romance and some mystery plus tension. It was full of love, betrayal, break up etc.
Life has changed so much in 50 years!!! Today the TV is filled with "reality" tv that are done from scripts and over over the top "drama". Most women have busy lives with work and family. They already have plenty of drama in their lives!!!!! SO writers feel that they need to push the envelope to "entertain". I feel that this is one reason soaps are disappearing. I hope DOOL survives, only time will tell.