What Was It Really Like Growing Up in the 80s-2000s? Netizens Share Their Thoughts

Growing up in different eras can have a significant impact on our experiences and perspectives. In this article we’ll look at what it was really like living and growing up in the 80s-2000s according to people who experienced it firsthand.

Nostalgia for a Simpler Time

The original poster (OP), posted this inquiry: “I was born in 2003. I wish I was born earlier. I like trying to imagine living in a time where there were no iPhones or social media, and what life was like before technology took over. When I watch those YouTube video’s of high school students in the late 80’s and 90’s, everyone seems so much happier. What was it like compared to now?”

Ignorance is Bliss

One person responded, “We didn’t know anything about the world beyond our own neighborhood. And as the saying goes, ignorance is bliss. If you want to feel how we did, turn off your phone, your computer, and your TV. Then hop on your bike (if you have one) and spend your days riding around the neighborhood. After a while, you’ll start to get the idea.”

Reliance on Different Technology

Another person pointed out that it wasn’t much different in terms of technology. “During the 90s and 2000s, I had a lot of fun, but we still relied on our technology like our Gameboys or the TV. It was just a different type of tech. For example, if the TV had an issue, my brother and I felt lost.”

Childhood Memories vs. Reality

“I was born in the 70s in quite a poor area of the UK. I have very fond memories of my own childhood but I’m also extremely careful to make sure I don’t fall into the mindset that my childhood was better than the next generation. It was better because I was a child at the time. When I think back to what was happening to the world and my local area that had very high unemployment, I can well imagine the adult population at the time we’re having a bad time. But to me, it was playing footy with my mates and biking everywhere carefree. We didn’t really understand why half the local men were on strike and we didn’t have any money worries ourselves as we were 10.”

Simplicity and Connection

“It was nice that you could just walk up to anybody and ask what the time was, or if they had a light for a cigarette.”

Lightness of Being

“I remember having an incredible lightness of being. It seemed that we were smarter, kinder and had an authentic list for life. It was a dope time and I can say I was happier then than now in many respects because of the simplicity of it all.”

Consequences and Feelings

“You actually got to learn the consequences of being rude. No hiding behind a computer. Seemed we had a lot less feelings that got hurt as well.”

Fun, Stupid Things

“I was born in 1970. Being a kid in the 70’s and 80’s was awesome. We did a LOT of fun, stupid things without a camera in sight. Life was definitely less complicated. It was a beautiful time.”

Fads Were Huge

“I was 9 in 1980 so most of my growing up was through that period. It was a time when there wasn’t really digital entertainment apart from a few games. We did a lot of riding, listening to taped music and basically out all day as long as you could stay out. When a fad started it was huge. Like yo-yos. It was fun.”

No Visual Records

“I grew up in the 80s and the single biggest plus point, seen with the benefit of hindsight, is that there are fewer, and possibly no, visual records of the various incredibly stupid things we did back then.”

How Old People Were Different in the 1960s or 1970s Than They Are Today

As time goes on, society changes and so do the people in it. Here are some ways in which old people of the past were different from old people of today.

How Old People Were Different in the 1960s or 1970s Than They Are Today

10 Things Millennials Will Be Blamed For in 50 Years

As the first digital-native generation, millennials have been blamed for many societal changes and trends. Here are 10 things that millennials may be blamed for in 50 years.

10 Things Millennials Will Be Blamed For in 50 Years

Blast From The Gen X Past: These Are The 9 Food Gen X-ers Say They Miss From Their Childhood

As we grow older, we often look back on our childhood with nostalgia, including the foods we used to eat. Here are 10 foods that Gen Xers miss from their childhood.

Blast From The Gen X Past: These Are The 9 Food Gen X-ers Say They Miss From Their Childhood

The Most Awkward Foods to Eat in Public – Have You Ever Eaten Any Of These?

Eating in public can be a challenge, especially when it comes to certain foods that require a bit more effort to consume. Here are some of the most awkward foods to eat in public.

The Most Awkward Foods to Eat in Public – Have You Ever Eaten Any Of These?

Cringe or Yum? Weird Food Combinations Everyone Should Try At Least Once In Their Life

We’ve all had a weird food combination that we didn’t want to try but ended up loving. Here are a few weird food combinations to try next time you’re feeling adventurous.

Cringe or Yum? Weird Food Combinations Everyone Should Try At Least Once In Their Life

Source: Reddit