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15 Surprising Things We Got Away With in the 90s That Are Unthinkable Today

15 Surprising Things We Got Away With in the 90s That Are Unthinkable Today

The 1990s were a time of transition, where the seeds of the digital age were just being planted, and the world was on the brink of enormous social and technological change. Yet, this decade also harbored practices and behaviors that would be considered unthinkable today. From unregulated use of gadgets to certain social behaviors, the 90s were a peculiar blend of old-world charm and new-age experimentation.

As we look back, it’s astounding to see what was once deemed acceptable or simply overlooked. In this post, we’ll delve into 15 surprising things that we got away with during this era and why they would raise eyebrows today.

1. Riding Without Seatbelts

Riding Without Seatbelts
© YourTango

In the 90s, the importance of seatbelt usage was just starting to gain traction. It wasn’t uncommon to see people, especially in the back seats, forgoing them on short trips. Law enforcement was less strict, and many cars didn’t even have seatbelt reminders. Today, such negligence is unimaginable, with stringent laws and awareness campaigns ensuring safety.

The casual disregard for this simple life-saving device reflects a time when safety wasn’t as prioritized. However, lessons have been learned, and wearing seatbelts is now second nature, illustrating how societal norms evolve for the better.

2. Smoking in Public Places

© PlanetSpark

Public spaces in the 90s were often clouded with cigarette smoke, as smoking indoors was socially acceptable. Restaurants, offices, and even airplanes had designated smoking areas.

This practice began fading with growing health awareness and legislation banning indoor smoking. Today, the thought of lighting up inside a public establishment is met with disdain and heavy fines.

The shift has led to cleaner air and healthier environments, showing a significant cultural shift towards wellness. The change reflects society’s increasing commitment to public health and mutual respect.

3. Using Landlines for Hours

Using Landlines for Hours
© Forbes

The ubiquitous landline was the communication hub of the household in the 90s. Families often had multiple phones, and teenagers could spend hours chatting with friends. Mobile phones were rare and expensive, making the landline indispensable.

Today, with smartphones and unlimited data plans, landlines are nearly obsolete. The transformation in communication technology has made instant connectivity accessible to all, rendering the idea of being tethered to a landline archaic.

This evolution highlights the rapid technological advancements that have reshaped everyday life.

4. Lack of Internet Security

Lack of Internet Security
© InformationWeek

During the 90s, the internet was a wild frontier with minimal security measures. Users often connected without firewalls or antivirus software, making them vulnerable to emerging cyber threats.

Phishing scams and viruses were rampant, but awareness was low. As technology advanced, so did the sophistication of cyberattacks, prompting the development of robust security protocols.

Today, internet security is paramount, with users advised to employ strong passwords and encryption. This evolution underscores the need for vigilance in our increasingly digital world, ensuring personal and financial safety.

5. Unsupervised Outdoor Play

Unsupervised Outdoor Play
© Business Insider

In the 90s, children enjoyed a level of freedom that seems foreign today. They played outside unsupervised for hours, exploring neighborhoods and parks with little parental oversight.

This independence fostered creativity and social skills, but it also posed risks that parents today might find unacceptable.

The current focus on child safety and structured activities reflects a shift towards more protective parenting, balancing freedom with security. This change illustrates how societal values and concerns have evolved over time.

6. Recording Songs Off the Radio

Recording Songs Off the Radio
© Wired Wood

The art of recording songs off the radio onto cassette tapes was a cherished pastime in the 90s. People eagerly waited for their favorite tracks, ready to hit the record button at the right moment.

Today, with music streaming services offering instant access to millions of songs, this practice is obsolete. The shift from physical media to digital platforms has revolutionized how we consume music, providing convenience and vast libraries at our fingertips.

This transformation highlights the incredible pace of technological change and its impact on entertainment consumption.

7. Fashion Choices Like Fanny Packs

Fashion Choices Like Fanny Packs
© Garage Grown Gear

Fashion in the 90s was bold and experimental, with trends like fanny packs, neon colors, and oversized clothing making a statement. People embraced these styles with confidence, despite their divisive nature.

Although some of these trends have made a comeback in recent years, the 90s were unique in their fearless adoption of such looks.

Today’s fashion is more diverse, blending retro styles with modern sensibilities. This evolution showcases the cyclical nature of fashion, where past trends are reimagined for new generations, proving that style is ever-evolving.

8. Using Maps Instead of GPS

Using Maps Instead of GPS
© Salon.com

Before the era of GPS and smartphones, travelers relied on paper maps for navigation. Planning trips involved stopping at gas stations for directions or unfolding large maps to plot routes.

Today, digital navigation tools provide real-time directions and traffic updates, making travel more convenient and efficient. The decline of paper maps represents a broader shift towards digital reliance and instant information access.

This change underscores the dramatic impact of technology on daily routines, transforming how we explore and understand the world around us.

9. Blatant TV Commercials

Blatant TV Commercials
© Collider

Television commercials in the 90s were bold, loud, and unapologetically promotional. They interrupted shows with catchy jingles and dramatic pitches, leaving a lasting impression.

Today, the rise of streaming services and ad blockers has diminished the presence of traditional commercials. Advertising has shifted towards targeted digital marketing, focusing on subtlety and audience engagement.

This transformation reflects changing consumer preferences for more personalized and less intrusive advertising experiences. The evolution highlights the need for adaptation in the ever-changing landscape of media consumption.

10. Casual Office Attire

Casual Office Attire
© Reddit

The 90s saw a shift towards more casual office attire, with businesses adopting ‘casual Fridays’ and relaxed dress codes. Employees enjoyed the freedom to express individuality through their clothing choices.

Today, while casual wear remains common, many workplaces have redefined professional attire to balance comfort with corporate image.

This change illustrates the ongoing dialogue between personal expression and professional standards, adapting to evolving cultural norms and workplace expectations. The evolution speaks to the broader shifts in work culture and identity.

11. Listening to Walkmans

Listening to Walkmans
© NBC News

The Walkman was an iconic device of the 90s, offering portable music through cassette tapes. It allowed users to enjoy personal soundtracks on the go, revolutionizing music consumption.

With the advent of MP3 players and smartphones, the Walkman became a nostalgic relic of the past. Today’s devices offer vast digital libraries, making physical media obsolete.

The evolution of portable music devices highlights the rapid technological advancements and their profound impact on how we enjoy entertainment, marking a significant shift in consumer habits.

12. Infrequent Handwashing

Infrequent Handwashing
© Johns Hopkins Center for Communication Programs – Johns Hopkins University

In the 90s, handwashing wasn’t as emphasized as it is today. Public awareness campaigns were limited, and many people didn’t wash hands as frequently as recommended.

The importance of hygiene has become paramount, especially with recent global health concerns. Today’s public spaces are equipped with sanitizer dispensers and handwashing reminders.

This shift highlights the critical role of hygiene in public health and the increasing societal focus on prevention. The change underscores how health crises can reshape habits and priorities for the better.

13. Watching VHS Tapes

Watching VHS Tapes
© kylecorbett_

VHS tapes were the cornerstone of home entertainment in the 90s. Families gathered around to watch rented or recorded movies, rewinding tapes manually after each viewing.

The transition to DVDs and streaming services revolutionized how we access media, offering convenience and higher quality. VHS tapes are now a relic, evoking nostalgia for a bygone era.

This evolution illustrates how technological advancements continually redefine entertainment consumption, transforming traditional practices into historical artifacts.

14. Frequenting Video Rental Stores

Frequenting Video Rental Stores
© Newsweek

Video rental stores were a staple of 90s entertainment, offering vast selections of movies for weekend viewings. Families often spent hours browsing shelves for the perfect film.

With the rise of streaming platforms, the need for physical rentals has dissipated. The convenience of instant access to thousands of titles has rendered video stores obsolete.

This change represents a broader shift towards digital consumption, highlighting how businesses must adapt to the demands of modern consumers. The decline of rental stores marks a significant moment in entertainment history.

15. Writing Letters by Hand

Writing Letters by Hand
© CBC

In the 90s, handwritten letters were a primary form of long-distance communication. Personal notes carried sentimental value, connecting people across miles.

Today, digital communication has largely replaced handwritten correspondence, offering speed and convenience. While emails and texts are efficient, they lack the personal touch of a handwritten letter.

This shift highlights the balance between tradition and modernity, as people seek ways to maintain personal connections in a fast-paced world. The art of letter writing remains cherished by those who value its nostalgic charm.