21 Things People Did in the 90s That Would Be Shocking Today
The 1990s were a time of radical change and cultural evolution, yet many of the activities considered normal back then might raise eyebrows today.
As we look back, it’s fascinating to realize how much society and technology have evolved. From fashion faux-pas to technology that is now obsolete, let’s journey back to a decade that was both fabulous and flawed.
Here are 21 things that people routinely did in the 90s that might seem shocking to the younger generations of today.
1. Rotary Phones
Remember when dialing a number meant spinning a dial? Rotary phones, a staple in every household, were cumbersome but iconic. They required patience, as each digit had to be dialed separately.
Now, with smartphones, the concept seems alien. Back then, memorizing phone numbers was a life skill. You couldn’t text; you called, and if the line was busy, you waited and tried again.
Being unreachable was normal. Conversations were intentional and without distractions. Today, such a phone would be a conversation starter or an antique novelty.
2. Cassette Tapes
Cassettes were the dominant music format, requiring a pencil to rewind when tangled. They were fragile but beloved, with mixtapes being a popular romantic gesture.
Fast-forwarding to find a song was an art. Unlike today’s endless digital libraries, choices were limited. You’d carry a bulky Walkman to enjoy music on the go.
The thrill of recording songs from the radio, complete with DJ chatter, was unmatched. While CDs and digital music have taken over, the nostalgia for cassettes remains strong among 90s kids.
3. Encyclopedia Sets
Before Wikipedia, families invested in hefty encyclopedia sets for knowledge. These tomes were a treasure trove of information, albeit quickly outdated.
Research involved flipping through volumes rather than quick online searches. Encyclopedias taught patience and persistence. Updates came via annual supplements.
Today, such a set would gather dust, considered more a decor piece than a resource. Libraries and schools showcased them prominently.
While now replaced by digital resources, they symbolized a time when knowledge was more tactile and hard-earned.
4. Floppy Disks
Floppy disks were the USB drives of the 90s, albeit with minimal storage. They were a marvel of their time but now seem laughably limited.
Each disk could save only a few documents, making organization crucial. Inserting them into a drive with a satisfying click was routine. Losing or damaging one could mean disaster.
Today, cloud storage and massive hard drives make floppies obsolete. Yet, for those who used them, they evoke memories of simpler digital times and a slower pace of technological advancement.
5. Using Maps
Navigating required skill, with maps as the primary tool. No GPS or smartphones meant planning routes in advance. Maps were often unwieldy, taking up space in glove compartments, yet they were indispensable.
Asking for directions was common if you got lost, fostering communication with strangers. Today, such maps are rare, replaced by apps that offer real-time directions.
However, many cherish the sense of adventure and discovery that came with map reading. It was a time when getting lost was part of the journey.
6. Collect Calls
When calling home meant reversing charges, collect calls were essential. Payphones were scattered everywhere, offering a lifeline when you needed to talk.
To save money, people often relayed quick messages before the operator could intervene. It was a time when every call mattered, and you had to make conversations concise.
With the advent of mobile phones and free messaging apps, collect calls have become obsolete. Yet, they remind us of a period when communication was more deliberate, and every conversation had a cost.
7. Slap Bracelets
Accessories in the 90s weren’t just fashion statements; they were playful. Slap bracelets, made of layered metal and fabric, captivated children and teens alike.
With a simple flick, they snapped around the wrist, providing endless amusement. Schools eventually banned them due to safety concerns.
Despite their simplicity, they were a must-have item, sparking trends and collections. Today, they are viewed as nostalgic novelties, prompting memories of school days and playground trades.
Their resurgence in retro-themed events highlights their lasting appeal.
8. Dial-Up Internet
The sound of a dial-up modem connecting still echoes in the minds of many. Slow and unreliable, it tied up phone lines, leading to household disputes. Browsing the web was a luxury, with pages loading at a snail’s pace.
Downloading music or images took patience, often hours. Yet, it was the dawn of a new era, introducing millions to the digital world.
Today, such speeds would be intolerable, yet they signify a time when the internet was a novelty, not a necessity.
9. Frosted Tips
Hair trends of the 90s were bold, with frosted tips leading the charge. Bleached hair ends, often paired with spiky styles, were a statement. Celebrities like Justin Timberlake popularized this look, making it a go-to for many.
Applying bleach at home was common, with varied results. Today, the style is often seen as cringeworthy, a relic of past fashion.
Yet, for many, it represents youthful experimentation and a carefree era. Its occasional revival in modern trends shows the cyclical nature of fashion.
10. Y2K Panic
As the year 2000 approached, fear of technological collapse gripped the globe. The Y2K bug, a computer programming glitch, led to widespread panic. People stockpiled supplies, fearing system failures.
Financial markets, utilities, and even daily life were thought to be at risk. As clocks struck midnight, the anticipated chaos never materialized, leaving many relieved but slightly embarrassed.
Today, Y2K is seen as a humorous overreaction, but it underscores the anxiety that technological dependency can bring. It remains a fascinating historical footnote.
11. Tamagotchis
Digital pets called Tamagotchis were a 90s sensation. These pocket-sized devices required constant attention, mimicking real pet care. Feeding, playing, and cleaning were part of the daily routine.
Neglect resulted in virtual demise, leading to playground discussions on pet longevity. Schools often banned them due to their distracting nature.
Today, they are charming relics of early digital interaction, sparking memories of simpler gaming and nurturing experiences.
Though technology has advanced, the fondness for Tamagotchis persists, with occasional re-releases tapping into 90s nostalgia.
12. Chain Wallets
Fashion in the 90s had its quirks, and chain wallets were among them. Popularized by skateboarders and punk culture, they were both functional and stylish.
The chains, often long and dangling, were meant to secure wallets during extreme activities. They became a badge of rebellion and individuality.
Modern fashion has largely moved on, but these wallets remain iconic of a decade marked by bold choices. Occasionally making a comeback in niche circles, they represent a time when practicality and style converged daringly.
13. Pagers
Before smartphones, pagers were vital for staying connected. They beeped to alert you of incoming messages, requiring a nearby phone to respond. Doctors, businesspeople, and teens alike relied on these buzzing devices.
Quick, numerical codes often conveyed messages, leading to a shorthand language. Pagers taught discipline in communication, as there was no instant reply.
Today, they seem archaic, replaced by comprehensive mobile technology. Despite this, they are remembered fondly for their role in pioneering mobile communication and represent a step towards the connectivity we take for granted.
14. Rollerblading
Inline skating, or rollerblading, was a favorite pastime. Parks and pavements buzzed with enthusiasts gliding smoothly on wheels. It offered exercise and fun, with tricks adding thrill.
Skating rinks hosted social events, making it a communal activity. Though not as prevalent now, rollerblading remains a symbol of 90s leisure and carefree enjoyment.
Its resurgence in recent years highlights its enduring appeal. For those who lived through the era, it evokes memories of freedom, friendship, and outdoor adventures, reminding us of simpler times.
15. Beanie Babies
These plush toys became a phenomenon, turning collectors into investors. Beanie Babies, with their unique names and stories, were traded like baseball cards.
Speculation on their future value reached fever pitch, with some fetching thousands at auctions. Today, most are worth little, but the craze remains a quintessential 90s memory.
They taught lessons in economics and the unpredictability of trends. For many, they are treasured keepsakes, representing childhood and the joy of collecting. Their story is a reminder of fads and their fleeting nature.
16. MTV Music Videos
MTV revolutionized music consumption, with videos as the medium. Teenagers spent hours watching premieres, memorizing dance moves and lyrics. Artists crafted visual identities, shaping pop culture.
The channel was more than music; it was a lifestyle. Today, with online streaming, the immediacy has diminished. Yet, for many, MTV was an introduction to diverse genres and groundbreaking artists.
It shaped tastes and conversations, making music a shared social experience. Although its influence has waned, its impact on the music industry is undeniable.
17. Neon Windbreakers
Bright, bold, and breezy, neon windbreakers were a fashion staple. Their vibrant colors turned heads, embodying the 90s aesthetic. Functional against the elements, they also made a statement.
Often paired with matching track pants, they were beloved by athletes and teens. Today, they are retro icons, occasionally seen in modern collections.
Their eye-catching design prompts nostalgia for a decade of daring fashion. For those who wore them, they recall a time of expression and fun, when clothing was as much about mood as function.
18. The Macarena
Few dances define a decade like the Macarena. Its simple steps and catchy tune made it a global sensation, uniting people in rhythm. Weddings, parties, and school events featured the routine, bringing joy and laughter.
Today, it might seem cheesy, but it represents the power of music to connect. For many, it’s a reminder of carefree celebrations and shared cultural moments.
Despite its decline in popularity, the Macarena endures as a fun, nostalgic throwback to 90s festivities, often revisited for its infectious spirit.
19. Phone Books
Finding a number meant flipping through hefty phone books. Alphabetized pages held contact details for individuals and businesses. They were indispensable, found in every home.
Changes required new editions, often delivered annually. Today, online directories have rendered them obsolete, saving paper and space. Yet, they symbolize a time when information was tangible, and searching required effort.
For those who remember, they evoke a sense of nostalgia for simpler, tactile times. Occasionally, they resurface as props or recycled art materials, reminding us of their once-essential role.
20. Disposable Cameras
Capturing memories meant using disposable cameras. They were affordable and easy, with no previews—surprises awaited when developed. This anticipation added excitement to photography.
Vacations and events often featured these cameras, resulting in candid and unexpected shots. Today, digital photography offers immediacy, yet lacks that element of surprise.
For many, disposable cameras evoke nostalgia for a time when pictures were more precious. They taught patience and the joy of waiting, adding to the thrill of memory-making. Their occasional use today highlights their enduring charm.
21. Fanny Packs
Once practical and popular, fanny packs were the ultimate hands-free accessory. Often brightly colored, they held essentials securely around the waist. Though mocked in later years, they symbolized a carefree approach to fashion.
Today, they’ve made a comeback, embraced by a new generation for their convenience. For those who wore them in the 90s, they recall a time of practicality and fun.
Their revival underscores fashion’s cyclical nature, blending nostalgia with modern style. They remind us of the playful spirit that defined the decade.