20 Things You Could Do in the ’80s That Would Be Unthinkable Today
The 1980s were a different world where rules were looser, risks were higher, and things we now consider shocking were just part of everyday life.
- Chris Graciano
- 4 min read
From riding in cars without seatbelts to smoking in restaurants, the ’80s had a level of freedom that would be nearly impossible today. Many of these behaviors were normal back then, but with changing laws, evolving technology, and shifting social norms, they’ve vanished. Here are 20 things that were once completely acceptable but would raise eyebrows—or even alarms—if done today.
1. Riding in the Back of a Pickup Truck
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Kids and even adults used to pile into the open beds of pickup trucks without a second thought. It was the ultimate way to cruise around on a summer day.
2. Smoking Indoors—Everywhere
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Whether in restaurants, airplanes, or office buildings, smoking was just part of the atmosphere. Non-smokers had little choice but to deal with the haze.
3. Letting Kids Roam Free Until Dark
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It was common for kids to leave the house in the morning and not return until the streetlights came on. Parents didn’t track their location or constantly check in.
4. Drinking from the Hose Without a Second Thought
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No bottled water, no filtration systems—just a good old-fashioned garden hose. Nobody worried about chemicals or bacteria.
5. Making Prank Calls Without Caller ID Spoiling the Fun
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Before caller ID, you could prank-call anyone without getting caught. Whether you asked if someone’s refrigerator was running or pretended to be a celebrity, it was harmless and fun.
6. Blasting Music on a Boombox in Public
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People walked down the street or sat in parks with massive boomboxes on their shoulders, blasting tunes for everyone to hear. It was more of a shared experience than an annoyance.
7. Leaving the House Without a Phone
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Nobody had a cell phone, and it wasn’t a big deal. If you needed to make a call, you had to look for a payphone. Nowadays, the idea of leaving home without a smartphone is almost unthinkable.
8. Hitchhiking Without a Second Thought
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Sticking out your thumb on the side of the road was a common way to get a ride, and strangers picking up other strangers was considered normal.
9. Buying Cigarettes for Your Parents
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Kids could walk into a store, hand over a note from their parents, and buy a pack of cigarettes—no questions asked. Nobody batted an eye.
10. Watching Cartoons Only on Saturday Mornings
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There was no streaming, no YouTube—just Saturday morning cartoons. Kids would wake up early to catch their favorite shows because missing them meant waiting an entire week.
11. Not Wearing a Seatbelt in the Car
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Seatbelts were more of a suggestion than a rule, and many people didn’t bother. Kids often rode in the front seat or even sat on their parents’ laps. Now, seatbelt laws are strictly enforced, and not wearing one is unthinkable.
12. Developing Film Without Knowing What You’d Get
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Taking pictures was a gamble—you had no idea how they turned out until you developed the film. Blurry shots and accidental thumb-covered photos were common.
13. Answering the Phone Without Knowing Who Was Calling
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Before caller ID, you had no clue who was on the other end when the phone rang. You just picked up and hoped it wasn’t a telemarketer or an awkward conversation.
14. Sending Kids to the Store Alone
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It wasn’t unusual for kids as young as seven or eight to walk to the store and buy groceries themselves. Parents trusted them to handle money and return safely.
15. Using Payphones Regularly
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Public payphones were everywhere, and carrying quarters for a call was normal. Whether at the mall or on the street, it was the primary way to reach someone when you weren’t home.
16. Wearing Neon Everything Without Irony
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Bright, fluorescent outfits, from windbreakers to leg warmers, were all the rage. The louder the color, the cooler you looked.
17. Drinking Soda Nonstop Without Health Warnings
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Soft drinks were a staple in every home, and few people worried about sugar or artificial ingredients. Diet culture wasn’t as pervasive, and soda wasn’t seen as a health risk.
18. Taping Songs Off the Radio
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If you wanted a copy of your favorite song, you had to wait for it to play on the radio and record it on a cassette. DJs talking over the intro was just part of the experience.
19. Having No Bike Helmets in Sight
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Riding bikes at full speed without helmets was completely normal. Kids wiped out, got scraped up, and just kept riding.
20. Walking Through the Airport Without Security Hassles
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Airport security was lax—no taking off your shoes, no body scanners, no three-ounce liquid limits. Friends and family could walk all the way to the gate to say goodbye.