17 Things From The 1970s, We Can No Longer Do
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The 1970s were a unique time, filled with funky fashion, catchy tunes, and some pretty wild trends. But as times change, so do our habits and ways of life. Many things that were common back then would seem strange or even unsafe today.
Let’s take a trip down memory lane and look at some activities and practices from the 70s that we don’t see much anymore. From how we drove cars to how we enjoyed entertainment, a lot has changed since then.
Drive Without Seat Belts
In the 1970s, many people didn’t think twice about hopping in the car without buckling up. Seat belts were often seen as optional, and some cars didn’t even have them. Today, wearing a seat belt is the law in most places. We now know that seat belts save lives, and it’s hard to imagine driving without them. Modern cars come with many safety features, but the simple act of buckling up remains one of the most important.
Attend Drive-In Theaters
Going to the drive-in was a big deal in the 70s. Families and friends would pile into their cars, pack snacks, and watch movies under the stars. You could enjoy the latest films from the comfort of your vehicle. But as indoor theaters got better and home entertainment improved, drive-ins started to disappear. While a few still exist today, they’re more of a novelty than a regular hangout spot.
Travel Without ID
Back in the 70s, you could hop on a plane without showing much ID. Airport security was much more relaxed then. But after the events of September 11, 2001, everything changed. Now, you need to show your ID multiple times at the airport. It’s a big shift from the carefree travel days of the 70s, but it’s needed to keep everyone safe in the skies.
Smoke Indoors
Smoking indoors was everywhere in the 70s – in restaurants, offices, and even on airplanes. It seemed like everyone was lighting up wherever they wanted. But now, finding a public place where you can smoke inside is tough. Strict smoking bans protect people from secondhand smoke. It’s a big change that’s made the air cleaner for everyone.
Hitchhike
Hitchhiking was a common way to get around in the 70s. People would stand by the road, stick out their thumb, and hope for a ride. It was a cheap and spontaneous way to travel. But today, hitchhiking is much less common. Safety concerns have made people wary of picking up strangers. With ride-sharing apps and better public transport, there are safer ways to get around now.
Wait For Mailed Catalogs
Shopping from home in the 70s meant flipping through catalogs that came in the mail. People would eagerly wait for the latest catalog to arrive, then spend hours browsing its pages. But with the rise of online shopping, mailed catalogs have become less common. Now, we can browse and buy things with just a few clicks on our computers or phones.
Drink And Drive Without Strict Penalties
In the 70s, the dangers of drinking and driving weren’t as well understood. Laws against it weren’t as strict, and penalties were often lighter. But over time, as we learned more about the risks, laws got tougher. Now, driving under the influence can lead to big fines, losing your license, or even jail time. It’s a change that’s helped make roads safer for everyone.
Use Pay Phones
Pay phones were everywhere in the 70s – on street corners, in malls, and at gas stations. They were how you made calls when you were away from home. But with the rise of cell phones, pay phones have all but disappeared. Now, almost everyone carries a phone in their pocket, making pay phones a thing of the past.
Write Letters By Hand
Writing letters was a common way to keep in touch with friends and family in the 70s. People would carefully write their messages by hand and send them through the mail. While some still enjoy writing letters, email and messaging apps have made it less common. These digital tools let us send messages instantly, anywhere in the world.
Buy Vinyl Records
In the 70s, buying vinyl records was how most people enjoyed their favorite music. People would spend hours in record stores, flipping through albums. While digital music took over for a while, vinyl has made a comeback in recent years. But it’s not as widespread as it once was, with many people now streaming music online instead.
Use Typewriters
Typewriters were a common sight in offices and homes in the 70s. People used them for everything from letters to reports. But computers and word processors have made typewriters mostly obsolete. The ability to easily edit and format documents on a computer has changed how we write and work.
Develop Film
In the 70s, taking photos meant using film cameras. After taking pictures, you had to take the film to be developed before you could see your photos. It was exciting to wait and see how they turned out. But digital cameras and smartphones have changed all that. Now we can see our photos instantly and even edit them right on our devices.
Watch TV On A Schedule
Watching TV in the 70s meant following a strict schedule. If you wanted to see your favorite show, you had to be in front of the TV when it aired. Missing an episode meant waiting for a rerun. But streaming services have changed how we watch TV. Now we can watch what we want, when we want, on any device with internet.
Play Outside Unsupervised
In the 70s, kids often played outside without constant adult supervision. They’d roam the neighborhood, ride bikes, and make up games with friends. Today, parents tend to keep a closer eye on their kids. Concerns about safety have led to more structured activities and less free-range play for many children.
Write Checks
Writing checks was a common way to pay for things in the 70s. People would carefully fill out checks for everything from groceries to bills. But debit cards, credit cards, and mobile payment apps have made check writing less common. These new payment methods are faster and more convenient for most people.
Use Rotary Phones
Rotary phones were the standard in most homes in the 70s. To make a call, you had to spin a dial for each number. It was slow, but it was how things were done. Push-button phones and then cell phones made rotary phones obsolete. Now, most of us carry smartphones that can do much more than just make calls.
Use Encyclopedias
In the 70s, many homes had a set of encyclopedias. These big books were go-to sources for information on all sorts of topics. Kids would use them for homework, and adults would look things up too. But the internet has made encyclopedias largely unnecessary. Now we can find information on almost anything with a quick online search.
12 Things We Used to Collect That No One Cares About Anymore
12 Things We Used to Collect That No One Cares About Anymore
