(L) A family watching TV together. (R) A red phone booth. Representative Cover Image Source: Pexels | August de Richelieu; Mike Bird
Life has changed significantly since smartphones and the internet have become popular. Although these things have made systems faster and more efficient, people might look back at the simpler times with a certain amount of fondness. A person, u/JK-Rofling, asked people on Reddit, "You wake up and it’s the 1990s. No WiFi, no smartphones. What’s the first thing you do?" Many people on the internet thought of the decade fondly in the comments section of the thread. A story by the University of Wollongong, Australia, explained that most generations tend to look back at the past and get nostalgic about the time.
90s music paraphernalia like record players, corded headphones and a newspaper strewn across a table. Representative Image Source: Pexels | Inga Seliverstova
Many people look back at the 90s with that sense, too. But it is also considered an important decade in modern history in terms of technology and social connections, per the source. In the early 90s, phones could only make and receive calls and the internet and social media hadn't been invented. Most people used popular spots to hang out with their friends. "Why the internet generation wants to watch reruns of Friends and Seinfeld, I think, goes back to the nostalgia of things — when you're feeling dark about the world, you go back to the things that make you feel better," Dr Renee Middlemost, a Lecturer in Global Communication and Media at the University of Wollongong, explained. So, here are 20 things that people would like to do if they had a chance to go back to the 90s one morning.
My household was in no position to do anything about that future knowledge anyway. I'd probably just enjoy being unplugged again. -u/theNightblade
An old arcade with coin-operated games. Representative Image Source: Pexels | Mikechie Esparagoza
5. Go to an arcade
Head to Blockbuster in my windbreaker and beg them to hold the last copy of Jurassic Park. Then hit the arcade like a legend. No phone, no problem. -u/LittleCuteBunnyy
6. Meet grandma
Ride my bike over to my Grandma's and give her a big hug. -u/VincentVuemont
First thing I’d do is grab my Walkman and blast Nirvana, gotta get that retro vibe going! I’d probably hunt down a pay phone to call my friends and plan a hangout at the arcade. No Wi-Fi, no problem, those were the days! -u/calmtoastt
A woman listening to music on a Walkman while dancing. Representative Image Source: Pexels | Cottonbro Studio
9. Meet people and pets
Let out a big sigh of relief, smile and go find the people and pets I've missed for years. -u/StrangeKittehBoops
10. Watch TV
Probably watch TV. TV was great then! -u/Jimmysp437
11. Talk to friends without distracting electronics
Enjoy time with friends where no one is looking at their electronics, instead of talking to each other. -u/pink_lemonade_party
12. Eat Cookie Crisp and watch old cartoons
Well, it’s a Saturday, so I’m pouring myself a big bowl of Cookie Crisp and setting up shop on the living room floor to watch Looney Tunes, Ghostbusters and Garfield. -u/iocaine0352
