12 Things We Used to Do Online That Feel Completely Obsolete Now
The internet has evolved so quickly that once-essential online habits now seem outdated or even ridiculous.
- Chris Graciano
- 3 min read
Our current usage of the internet differs greatly from that of a decade or two ago. Faster, more intelligent, or more convenient alternatives have supplanted many of the internet activities that were formerly a part of daily life. Here are 12 activities we used to do online that seem totally out of date, from awkward downloads to antiquated social media sites.
1. Burning Music onto CDs
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Before streaming, the only way to make a custom playlist was to download MP3s and burn them onto blank CDs. This process took forever, and one scratch could ruin everything.
2. Using AOL Instant Messenger (AIM)
Brendan Dolan-Gavitt on Flickr
AIM was once the go-to for chatting with friends, complete with cringeworthy away messages. Then, texting, social media, and modern messaging apps took over.
3. Manually Updating Software
Andrea Piacquadio on Pexels
In the past, updating programs meant visiting a website, downloading a file, and hoping it didn’t crash your computer. Automatic updates now keep everything running smoothly in the background.
4. Printing Out MapQuest Directions
Richard Mason on Flickr
Before GPS apps, people had to print step-by-step directions from MapQuest. If you took a wrong turn, you were out of luck.
5. Signing Up for Email Chain Letters
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At one point, forwarding chain emails was practically a social requirement. Whether it was a fake warning, a good-luck promise, or a hoax, people actually fell for them.
6. Waiting for Dial-Up to Connect
Frunze103 on Wikimedia Commons
The sound of a dial-up modem trying to connect was once an everyday annoyance. Slow speeds, frequent disconnections, and tying up the phone line made browsing the web a chore.
7. Maintaining a MySpace Page
Stephanie Booth on Flickr
Customizing your MySpace profile with flashy graphics and a personal song was a badge of honor. Then, Facebook and Instagram simplified social networking, and MySpace faded into obscurity.
8. Downloading Ringtones
FrostWire on Flickr
Buying and downloading custom ringtones for your phone used to be a big deal. Now, most people just keep the default ringtone or use silent mode.
9. Joining Web Forums for Every Interest
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Before Reddit and Facebook groups, niche web forums were the best way to discuss hobbies and interests. While some still exist, most online discussions now happen on broader social media platforms.
10. Using Flash for Websites and Games
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Flash-powered games and websites dominated the internet for years. However, with security issues and better technology, Flash was officially retired in 2020.
11. Renting Movies from iTunes
NASA Goddard Photo and Video on Wikimedia Commons
Once, buying or renting movies digitally felt futuristic. However, with Netflix, Disney+, and other streaming services, renting individual films feels outdated.
12. Creating a Blog Just to Share Personal Thoughts
Greta Hoffman on Pexels
In the early days of the internet, personal blogs were how people shared their daily lives. Now, social media posts, vlogs, and short-form content dominate.