13 Commonplace ’90s Habits That Would Raise Eyebrows Today

The ’90s were a fascinating time of transformation, a bridge between the analog past and the digital future. If we look back, some of the habits and trends from that era would seem bizarre or outdated by today’s standards. People indulged in practices that reflected a simpler, less connected world, often embodying a care-free attitude that might be viewed as rebellious or unorthodox today.

This article explores ten such habits, ranging from the quirky to the outright peculiar, that defined an era. Get ready for a nostalgic trip back to the ’90s, where these common practices were all the rage.

1. Renting VHS Tapes

In the ’90s, renting VHS tapes from local video stores was a weekend staple for many. Families and friends would spend considerable time browsing aisles filled with colorful cassette cases. Movie nights were an event, often planned days in advance, and choosing the right film was crucial. Today, with streaming services offering unlimited access, the idea of physically renting a movie seems outdated. Imagine explaining late fees or “Be kind, rewind” to someone born in the 2000s. What was once a beloved ritual now feels like a quaint relic of a not-so-distant past.

2. Dial-Up Internet

The screeching sound of dial-up modems is etched into the memories of anyone who used the internet in the ’90s. Connecting to the web was a painstaking process, often involving long waits and dropped connections. Phone lines were tied up, and patience was a necessity. Today’s fast-paced, always-online world would find this practice intolerable. Explaining the concept of waiting to connect would likely raise eyebrows among today’s youth. This bygone era of connectivity reminds us of how far technology has come, offering perspective on our current digital conveniences.

3. Making Mixtapes

Crafting the perfect mixtape was an art form in the ’90s, often taking hours of meticulous planning and recording. People poured their hearts into these collections of songs, using them as personal gifts or declarations of love. Today’s playlists can be created in seconds, lacking the personal touch that defined mixtapes. The physicality of cassettes, the handwritten notes, and the careful curation made them special. The mixtape culture has faded, but its spirit lives on in the digital playlists we create today, albeit with much less effort and time.

4. Collecting Beanie Babies

In the ’90s, Beanie Babies became a cultural phenomenon, with collectors believing these stuffed animals were valuable investments. People would hunt for rare editions, often paying top dollar. This craze led to a market bubble, and many were left with collections worth far less than expected. Today, the idea of investing in plush toys seems absurd, a cautionary tale of speculative bubbles. The Beanie Baby frenzy is a reminder of how trends can captivate society, offering lessons in both nostalgia and financial wisdom.

5. Chatting in AOL Chat Rooms

AOL chat rooms were the social hubs of the ’90s, offering a place for people to connect with strangers around the world. These virtual meeting spots were filled with lively discussions, friendships, and sometimes more. The anonymity offered both freedom and risks, with etiquette that seems foreign today. As social media and instant messaging have evolved, the charm of AOL chat rooms has faded. Yet, this era of online interaction laid the groundwork for the social networks we use today, even if its practices now seem archaic.

6. Using Disposable Cameras

Capturing memories on disposable cameras was common in the ’90s. People would snap photos without seeing the results until the film was developed. This anticipation added excitement to the process. Today, with digital cameras and smartphones, the idea of waiting for photos seems outdated. The instant gratification we’re accustomed to wasn’t an option back then. Disposable cameras taught patience and surprise, qualities often absent in our current, instant-photo world. This bygone habit offers a nostalgic look at how we once preserved special moments.

7. Playing Pogs

Pogs were a playground craze in the ’90s, with children eagerly collecting and playing with these small discs. The game was simple yet addictive, sparking playground rivalries and trades. Today, this cardboard-based game would seem overly simplistic. In a world dominated by digital games and apps, the tactile and social nature of Pogs is a nostalgic memory. This trend highlights a time when entertainment was uncomplicated and physical, offering a contrast to the digital interactions that dominate today’s playtime for kids.

8. Wearing Fanny Packs

Fanny packs were the epitome of ’90s fashion, both practical and quirky. Once worn around the waist, these bags have seen a resurgence but were once considered out of vogue. In the ’90s, they were a convenient accessory for festivals, vacations, and daily errands. Today, they are often viewed with irony or nostalgia, a symbol of retro style. The fanny pack’s journey from fashionable to faux pas and back again reflects the cyclical nature of trends, reminding us that what goes out of style often returns with a twist.

9. Using Phone Books

Phone books were an essential tool for finding contact information in the ’90s, a staple in every household. These hefty tomes contained numbers for businesses and individuals, requiring patience to navigate. With smartphones and search engines, the concept of flipping through a phone book seems tedious. The transition from paper to digital reflects a broader shift in how we access information. This practice is now a relic of the past, offering insight into how technology has streamlined our lives, making information access immediate and convenient.

10. Listening to Music on Discman

Portable CD players, known as Discmen, were the must-have gadget for music lovers in the ’90s. These devices offered the freedom to listen on the go, albeit with frequent skips and battery changes. The physicality of CDs, the album art, and the ritual of swapping discs created a unique listening experience. Today, streaming services have replaced this, offering vast libraries of music at our fingertips. The Discman era reminds us of the tactile connection to music, a time when listening was an intentional, curated experience.

11. Drinking from Garden Hoses

Drinking from garden hoses was once a refreshing way to quench your thirst after playing outside. Back in the ’90s, kids would run around neighborhoods, sweaty from play, and stop for a quick drink from the nearest hose. The water had a distinct rubbery taste, but it was considered perfectly safe and normal.

Today, with increasing concerns about water safety and the materials in hoses, this practice might be frowned upon. Parents now prefer bottled water or filtered taps. It’s fascinating to consider how such simple activities have changed with growing health awareness.

12. Frosted Tips Hairstyle

Frosted tips were the epitome of ’90s cool, especially among boys and young men. Achieved by bleaching the ends of the hair, this style was often paired with gel to create a spiky look. Celebrities and pop stars from the era fueled its popularity.

In today’s fashion world, this hairstyle might seem outlandish or passé. Current trends lean towards more understated and natural looks. However, frosted tips remain a nostalgic memory for those who lived through the era, and can sometimes be seen in themed parties or retro events.

13. Inline Skating Everywhere

Inline skating was not just a sport, but a mode of transportation during the ’90s. Teens and adults alike would glide down streets, sidewalks, and even indoors in shopping malls. It was both a fun activity and a way to get around efficiently.

Today, with the rise of bicycles, scooters, and hoverboards, inline skating has declined in popularity as a commuting option. Safety concerns and changes in urban planning have made it less common. Still, the thrill of skating remains, mostly relegated to parks and recreational areas.