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Back in 1990, many conveniences didn’t exist or were not widely available. Here’s a rundown of key differences, based on technological and societal changes:
Cell phones existed but were bulky, expensive, and mostly for voice calls, making them a luxury that only a select few could afford. Smartphones were just a dream on the horizon of technological advancement. During that time, these devices were simply referred to as mobile phones, and they came without features that we consider standard today: there were no touchscreens, apps, or internet access to broaden their capabilities. Communication on the go was a challenge; people often resorted to using payphones or landlines, which were conveniently located in public spaces but required coins for use or were limited to the confines of home. The lack of portable connectivity meant that keeping in touch with family and friends was often dependent on finding a phone booth, leading to planning ahead and sometimes even waiting for hours until one could reach someone. In hindsight, this era marked a significant moment in communication history, setting the stage for the rapid evolution that would follow as technology progressed.
The World Wide Web was in its infancy. The first website launched in 1991. Most people didn’t have internet at home, and dial-up was just starting. No Google, social media, or streaming. Most computers used floppy disks, and modems were slow (e.g., 300 baud). Data was stored on floppy disks or hard drives. No Dropbox or Google Drive for easy file access. Downloading a single image could take minutes. Email existed but was mostly for academics or businesses. No Gmail or widespread personal email accounts.
Netflix, Spotify, or YouTube was not available during that era. Entertainment meant physical media like VHS tapes, CDs, or cassette tapes, which you would carefully store on shelves and handle with care, as they could easily become damaged. You rented movies from Blockbuster, where the excitement of browsing the aisles to find the perfect film was part of the experience, or watched scheduled TV broadcasts that brought families together at specific times each week, creating shared moments of joy and anticipation. The allure of movie nights, complete with popcorn and cozy blankets, highlighted the value of these tangible formats, making each viewing a memorable event.
Navigation relied on paper maps or written directions, which often required careful planning and a good understanding of geography. Car GPS systems were rare and expensive during this era, making them difficult for the average consumer to acquire, and even the few available options were not very user-friendly. As a result, drivers often found themselves grappling with large, unfolded maps while attempting to decipher complicated routes, leading to confusion and, at times, frustrating detours.
Amazon didn’t exist until it was founded in 1994, a time when the internet was still in its infancy and online shopping was merely a concept. Back then, shopping was mostly in-person at malls or stores, where customers would browse physical aisles and interact directly with sales staff. The closest alternative to in-store shopping was the use of mail-order catalogs, which allowed consumers to select products from glossy pages and place orders through the postal service, though this method often involved long waiting times for delivery. This shopping landscape was drastically different from today, where online platforms like Amazon have fundamentally transformed the retail experience, making it more convenient and accessible than ever before.
Platforms like Facebook, X, or Instagram didn’t exist; social interactions were vastly different back then. Connecting with friends and family meant making phone calls, writing letters, or organizing in-person meetups, often involving careful planning and anticipation. The experience of waiting for a response to a letter brought a sense of excitement and patience, creating a tangible connection that was cherished. Face-to-face gatherings allowed for rich conversations and the warmth that could only come from being physically present with others, fostering deeper relationships in a way that many today might overlook amid the convenience of modern technology. The simplicity of these interactions cultivated meaningful bonds and a distinct sense of community that shaped social lives in profound ways.
No Uber, Lyft, or DoorDash. You hailed taxis or cooked and ate out without app-based delivery options, relying instead on the traditional ways of getting around and enjoying meals. This meant planning ahead for your outings, flagging down a yellow cab on the bustling streets or waiting patiently for a taxi to arrive. When it came to food, the lack of delivery apps encouraged you to explore local restaurants more deeply, discovering hidden gems you might have otherwise overlooked. Cooking at home became an opportunity to try new recipes and share hearty meals with family and friends, creating lasting memories over the dining table. While the convenience of technology was absent, it fostered a sense of community and engagement that often felt more rewarding.
Cameras used film, and you waited days to develop photos, creating an exhilarating anticipation for the images captured. The process involved carefully loading film rolls and manually adjusting settings, ensuring every shot counted. No instant previews or sharing online meant you had to savor the memory of each moment before finally seeing the results, often leading to delightful surprises or unexpected disappointments. This slower pace fostered a deeper appreciation for photography as an art form, as each photograph represented a unique story, frozen in time to be cherished later.
No Siri, Alexa, or smart home tech—home automation was once purely the stuff of science fiction, not reality. In the past, the concept of a fully automated home seemed like a distant dream, captured only in movies and novels. People imagined a world where machines could perform everyday tasks seamlessly, making life easier and more efficient. However, as technology has advanced rapidly in recent years, this vision has begun to materialize, transforming our living spaces into interconnected ecosystems of convenience and innovation.
TVs were bulky CRTs, taking up significant space in living rooms, and cable or satellite services offered a limited selection of channels, often leaving viewers longing for more variety. There was no Roku or smart TVs available, which meant that options for streaming content were virtually nonexistent; families relied heavily on scheduled programming and occasional VHS rentals for their entertainment needs. As a result, evenings were typically spent gathered around the television, flipping through the few available channels and enjoying whatever shows happened to be on, fostering a sense of togetherness despite the limitations of the technology.
Books were physical, tangible items that filled our shelves and sparked our imagination, and tablets like the iPad weren’t around to provide a digital alternative. Laptops were heavy and costly, cumbersome to carry and often reserved for those who needed them for work or study, limiting access to technology for many. In a world where the convenience of e-readers and portable devices was merely a dream, the joy of flipping through pages and feeling the weight of a book in hand remained unparalleled, creating a unique connection to the written word that modern technology seldom replicates.
No WhatsApp, Zoom, or Skype. Long-distance communication was expensive via phone or slow via mail, often requiring days or even weeks for a simple message to reach its destination. Friends and family could find themselves separated by vast distances, unable to share in daily experiences or urgent news without incurring hefty charges. Letters had to be meticulously crafted and sent off, leaving an anxious wait for replies, while missed phone calls would linger in the mind, a reminder of the disconnect and longing for connection that technology today has all but erased.
Daily life in 1990 required more planning, physical media, and in-person interactions. Many tasks we now do instantly, like booking flights or checking weather, involved phone calls or manual effort. We are living in a period of technology boom. AI is just beginning. What will we see in the next five years?
However, one concern is that all these conveniences may be destroying social contact, which is essential for healthy human interaction. Since humans are inherently social beings, the need for social interaction is being limited, leading to the possibility of increased feelings of isolation and loneliness. This shift in communication dynamics raises important questions about how this trend will affect the mental health of future generations. The reliance on digital communication over face-to-face interactions might hinder the development of crucial social skills and emotional intelligence. As a result, future adults may struggle to navigate complex interpersonal relationships, potentially leading to heightened anxiety and depression rates. If we do not address these challenges, we may find ourselves facing a society where genuine connections are scarce, leading to further mental health problems that could have long-lasting implications for overall well-being.
TomT2.0 