It is not so much about the year the story plays at but also about shying away from some stories nowadays.

A story where humans are Cool Bastards and the Aliens just Plain Evil?

Can't have that. It wouldn't be social critic enough.

Humans being smart and solving problems without crying and discussing their feelings in face of impending doom?

Naaah... would alienate the audience.

c/HFY and r/HFY show how to do it different... (shameless self propaganda, noteworthy The Typo which saved humanity, Day of the Fat Man, Deterrence)