10 things we remember from the '80s that hardly exist today
As time has passed, the inventions and innovations of the '80s no longer seem that cutting-edge or sleek. They almost feel extinct. From phone books as heavy as bricks (or what felt like it!) to being able to rent a movie from Blockbuster, the '80s offered a variety of items and services that we don't see very much of today.
Below are 10 things from the '80s that hardly exist today. Some of these things are missed, while others we can thank technology and other services for replacing.
Can you think of some other things that were part of everyday life in the '80s that are hardly used or mentioned today? Tell us below.
Phone Books
Oh, how we remember the 300-something paged books that would show up on our doorstep. From looking up businesses, calling an old friend and even setting up the perfect prank call, phone books were the ultimate contacts list.
Why it's on the list: Phone books still exist but they are used on a more rare occasion. With the ability to look up information at any given time and with the use of cell phones, we no longer need the hefty book. Do you still use a phone book?
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Payphones
Remember making phone calls for around 25 cents per call? Those were the days. We'd like the price of a phone call in the '80s with the same technology we use today, please!
Why it's on the list: Although you may still see payphones occasionally, they have been mostly replaced with cell phones. When is the last time you have seen a payphone and where?
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Magazine Posters
Tiger Beat, Bop and Seventeen: the place where you could find all your favorite celebrities, juicy gossip and the best part...the posters! Many of us remember tearing out pages and taping them to our walls to look at over and over again.
Why it's on the list: While it's still common to see posters on the walls of tweens, teens and even adults... the internet has caused posters coming from print magazines to decrease. How many posters did your bedroom have on its walls?
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Waterbeds
Waterbeds were very common in the mid-'80s. One in five people owned a waterbed. Were you one of them?
Why it's on the list: Although waterbeds are still around today and some people prefer them, most find them too heavy and high maintenance. Plus, with the advances in mattresses in general, you can buy a light-weight, water-free mattress without the potential for mold!
Blockbuster and Movie Rentals
Streaming services are everywhere and they are releasing new content daily. Thousands of shows, movies and more are available with a click of a button. With the rise of streaming services came the decline of companies such as Blockbuster. Blockbuster was founded in 1985 and shut its doors in 2014.
Why it's on the list: R.I.P. Blockbuster.
Watching music videos on MTV
The first MTV music video premiered in 1981. Were you one of the first to watch it? Most kids today don't realize that before the reality TV shows and sitcoms, MTV was known for playing music videos. It was one of the original ways to find new music before the Spotify and Apple Music days.
Why it's on the list: Of course you can still choose to spend all day watching music videos, but the days of watching them on MTV are long gone.
Cabbage Patch Dolls
Sure, kids can still find ways to get their hands on a Cabbage Patch Doll, but will they ever really understand the sensation that started in the '80s? You can find some versions of the dolls selling on sites like Etsy and eBay.
Why it's on the list: With many other toys to choose from, nothing will be quite like getting your very own Cabbage Patch Doll.
Indoor Smoking
In some places, specifically in many casinos and bowling alleys, you can still get a whiff of that distinct smell from years of smoking. Smoking indoors was banned in 2007. This was due to increased health risks and complaints from non-smokers.
Why it's on the list: Although smoking is still allowed, it's rare to find someone smoking a cigarette inside any establishment nowadays.
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Shopping Malls
With sites like Amazon delivering anything you could want in two days or less, many people aren't rushing to do in-person shopping. There are fewer than 1,000 malls left in the U.S.
Why it's on the list: Many malls in hometowns and cities have closed, or at least a lot of the shops in them have closed. Do you still enjoy having a shopping spree in a mall?
Image credit: Huffington Post
Paper maps
Remember wrestling with a map while trying to pinpoint the next turn you need to make? We can all thank GPS systems in cars and in apps that tell us exactly what to do.
Why it's on the list: There are some people who still prefer to look at a map on paper, but it seems like the younger generations may never know what it's like.
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