The ’90s were full of trends and habits that seemed so normal back then. But looking back now, some of them feel pretty outdated. Life was different before everyone had smartphones, streaming services, and high-speed internet. The things we used to do every day might seem strange or even funny today. From the way we dressed to how we stayed connected, a lot has changed.
In this list, we’re going to explore some of the lifestyle choices from the ’90s that have mostly faded away. It’s a fun reminder of how much things have changed in just a few decades.
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Using Dial-Up Internet
In the ’90s, getting online meant connecting through a dial-up modem. You’d hear that familiar screeching sound as the modem tried to connect, and once you were online, everything moved at a snail’s pace. Waiting for a webpage to load could take minutes, and if someone picked up the phone, you’d get disconnected. Today, with high-speed internet and Wi-Fi everywhere, it’s hard to imagine going back to those slow, frustrating days.
Renting Movies from Blockbuster
A big part of the ’90s weekend routine was heading to Blockbuster to rent a movie. You’d walk through the aisles, looking at all the VHS tapes, hoping the latest release wasn’t already rented out. Sometimes, you’d find your choice and be excited, but other times, you’d have to pick something else. Now, with streaming services offering thousands of movies at the click of a button, going to a store to rent a movie seems like a distant memory.
Wearing Baggy Jeans
Baggy jeans were the fashion trend in the ’90s. They were big, loose, and often sagged low on the hips. Pairing them with oversized t-shirts or hoodies was the style, and everyone from teens to celebrities wore them. But today, fashion has shifted to more fitted, tailored looks, and baggy jeans are mostly seen as a throwback to a different time.
Using a Pager
Before cell phones became widespread, pagers were the way to stay connected. If someone needed to reach you, they’d send a beep to your pager, and you’d have to find a phone to call them back. Doctors, businesspeople, and even teens had them. Now, with everyone carrying a smartphone that can do much more than just send a beep, pagers have become nearly obsolete.
Listening to Music on a Walkman
The Walkman was a must-have gadget in the ’90s. Carrying a Walkman meant you could take your music anywhere. You’d see people with headphones on, bobbing their heads to the music as they walked down the street. Today, with music streaming available on smartphones, the Walkman is more of a nostalgic item than a necessity.
Collecting Beanie Babies
In the ’90s, Beanie Babies were a massive craze. People didn’t just buy them as toys – they collected them, thinking they might be worth a lot of money someday. There were even price guides and special editions that people would hunt for. Now, most Beanie Babies are just stuffed animals that bring back memories of the ’90s, and the idea of them being a valuable investment has mostly faded away.
Using AOL Chat Rooms
AOL chat rooms were one of the first ways people could talk to others online. You’d pick a chat room based on your interests, jump in, and start chatting with strangers from all over. It was exciting and new at the time. But with the rise of social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter, chat rooms have become a thing of the past, and most people don’t use them anymore.
Burning CDs
Burning CDs was how you made your own playlists in the ’90s. You’d spend hours picking the perfect songs, then burn them onto a CD to share with friends or keep for yourself. It was a way to personalize your music collection. Today, with streaming services like Spotify or Apple Music, you can make and share playlists in seconds, making the act of burning CDs feel outdated.
Wearing Tattoo Chokers
Tattoo chokers were a huge fashion trend in the ’90s. These stretchy, plastic necklaces were worn tight around the neck and were popular with teens and young adults. They were everywhere, from school hallways to music videos. While they’ve had a few brief comebacks, they’re mostly seen as a symbol of ’90s fashion, and you don’t see them as much anymore.
Relying on Printed Maps
Before GPS was common, getting around meant using printed maps. If you were going on a road trip, you’d unfold a big map to figure out your route, or you’d ask for directions if you got lost. Keeping a map in the car was essential. Today, with GPS on every smartphone, printed maps are rarely used, and most people rely on digital navigation to get where they’re going.
Disclaimer – This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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