17 Old-School Daily Habits from the ’80s That Are Gone
Many daily habits that were common in the 1980s have faded away due to changes in technology, culture, and convenience.
- Sophia Zapanta
- 5 min read
The 1980s had routines shaped by the tools and lifestyles of that era. From how people communicated to how they entertained themselves, many everyday habits have completely changed. Most of these practices have disappeared as digital technology and new social norms replaced them.
1. Using a Landline Phone with a Cord
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Most households had a fixed landline phone, usually placed in a central room. Phone calls were made by dialing numbers manually and often keeping conversations short. Long-distance calls were expensive, so people planned them carefully. Today, mobile phones have replaced these with instant, wireless communication.
2. Recording TV Shows on VHS
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People used VCRs to record shows on blank tapes if they couldn’t watch live. This required setting the timer and making sure the tape had space. Sometimes the recording failed due to wrong settings or overlaps. Now, streaming platforms allow on-demand access to nearly everything.
3. Reading the Newspaper Every Morning
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Printed newspapers were a daily habit for getting news, weather, and local updates. People often read them over breakfast or during commutes. This was one of the main ways to stay informed. Today, most people get news through apps, websites, or social media.
4. Writing Letters by Hand
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Writing personal letters on paper was a normal way to keep in touch. People spent time choosing stationery and often mailed updates to friends or family. Waiting days or weeks for a reply was part of the process. Email and messaging have now taken over this habit.
5. Watching Saturday Morning Cartoons
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Children looked forward to Saturday mornings to watch their favorite animated shows. These were only broadcast at specific times, so kids had to wake up early. It was a routine that shaped part of weekend life. Streaming and on-demand content have made fixed schedules unnecessary.
6. Using a Rolodex for Contacts
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Professionals and households kept phone numbers and addresses in a Rolodex or address book. Contact information was written by hand and updated manually. Losing or misplacing it meant losing valuable details. Digital contact lists now update automatically across devices.
7. Carrying a Walkman or Portable Cassette Player
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People listened to music on cassette tapes using devices like the Sony Walkman. They carried extra batteries and tapes to switch between albums. Rewinding and fast-forwarding were needed to find songs. Digital players and phones have replaced this with easier access and better sound.
8. Checking the TV Guide for Listings
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TV schedules were printed in small booklets or included in the newspaper. People planned their viewing based on time slots and channels. Missing a show often meant waiting weeks to see it again. Now, viewers can watch what they want, when they want.
9. Using Pay Phones in Public
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If someone needed to make a call outside the home, they used a pay phone. This required carrying coins or a phone card. Finding an available booth could take time, especially in emergencies. Public pay phones are now rare, with mobile phones being the norm.
10. Typing on a Typewriter
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School reports, letters, and documents were often typed on a manual or electric typewriter. Mistakes had to be corrected with white-out or retyped. The process was slow and required careful planning. Computers and word processors have made this obsolete.
11. Developing Film to See Photos
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People used film cameras, which had to be developed at photo labs. It could take several days to see the results. There was no way to preview or delete a bad shot. Digital photography has replaced this with instant viewing and editing.
12. Listening to Radio for New Songs
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The radio was a main source for discovering music and hearing popular hits. People often waited with cassette tapes to record songs they liked. DJs controlled the playlist and timing. Music apps now give users full control over what they listen to.
13. Making Mixtapes for Friends or Partners
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People recorded songs from various sources onto a blank cassette to share with others. Each tape took time and planning to arrange in the right order. The effort made it personal and meaningful. Today, digital playlists are shared in seconds without the same physical process.
14. Shopping from Printed Catalogs
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Retailers mailed large catalogs that customers browsed to shop from home. Orders were placed by phone or mail, and delivery took days or weeks. People kept these catalogs for months and often marked items they wanted. Online shopping has replaced this with faster and more flexible options.
15. Using Physical Maps for Directions
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Drivers and travelers used paper maps to plan routes and find locations. They had to read signs carefully and follow printed instructions. Getting lost was more common without real-time help. GPS and mobile navigation apps have taken over completely.
16. Watching Movies on Rental VHS Tapes
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People visited video rental stores to borrow movies on VHS tapes. Rentals had return deadlines and late fees. Popular titles were often out of stock. Streaming services have removed the need to leave home or wait in line.
17. Keeping a Diary or Journal by Hand
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Many people wrote their thoughts, events, or daily plans in notebooks. This was a private activity done without digital backup. Losing the book meant losing everything inside. Now, digital journaling apps offer backup and privacy features.