Since the 1980s, our daily lives have undergone significant transformations. In particular, many trends and items that once defined the era have faded into obscurity, driven by advances in technology and shifting social norms. To reminisce, this article takes a nostalgic look at 14 things from the ‘80s that have disappeared from our modern lives.
Videocassette Recorders (VCRs)
These cassettes played an important role in developing on-demand television. For example, History.com writes, “With timers that could schedule recordings of TV broadcasts, VCRs freed viewers to watch their favorite shows on their own schedule.” VCRs have become obsolete thanks to the DVD and then digital streaming.
Waterbeds
Waterbeds used to be considered a luxurious bedding option that offered a person plenty of comfort. After the ‘80s, it started to lose its popularity due to being hard to maintain, and people changed their tastes. The concept of waterbeds is now seen as more of a novelty than something a person would regularly sleep on.
Members Only Jackets
These famous jackets became incredibly popular in the ’80s, with celebrities even owning them. Although they had a high price point, they were still sought after. For example, Grunge writes, “The jackets debuted in 1980, and they weren’t exactly cheap. They cost $55 (£40) each, which would be close to $200 (£150) in today’s money.”
Rubik’s Cube
The Rubik’s cube was invented in 1974 but didn’t gain popularity until the 1980’s, when it became a challenging puzzle that everyone wanted to try out. It became a best-selling toy and reached its sales peak in the ‘80s. Interest did start to fall when people realized just how challenging the Rubik’s cube was.
Swatch Watches
Swatch watches were introduced as disposable second watches, and this is what made them so popular in the ‘80s. They were known for their colorful designs, which meant people started to collect them. Swatch watches revolutionized fashion during this decade, but since then, they’ve faded from society.
Showing Up Unannounced
It used to be a common social practice to visit friends unannounced, mainly because there was no such thing as a smartphone. Because of technology, it’s now less common and isn’t seen as polite social etiquette. In today’s society, people don’t like being caught off guard and would rather be prepared for someone coming to visit.
Parachute Pants
According to WatchMojo, nylon pants were incredibly popular in the ‘80s. They write, “These things were everywhere in the 1980s and known for their comfortable and swishy nylon material.” They often came in bright neon colors, which was a signature trend for the ‘80s, and were particularly popular among breakdancers.
MTV Music Videos
If a person wanted to listen to some music in the ’80s, MTV used to be the go-to channel. A person could watch music videos from their favorite artists, and this soon became a cultural phenomenon. Today, people prefer watching things such as reality TV instead of music videos.
Arcades
Arcades used to be a popular hangout spot for teens in the ‘80s, especially during the “Golden Age” of the decade. Thanks to the rise in gaming consoles and having them available at home, arcades rarely exist anymore. Now they’re seen as being a nostalgic memory rather than somewhere for friends to meet up.
Big Hair
Big hair played a key component in fashion during the 1980s. Men and women alike had voluminous styles that required a lot of mousse and hairspray. The trend gained popularity thanks to cultural icons sporting this look. Nowadays, a person would never be seen with huge, voluminous hair.
Shoulder Pads in Clothing
Shoulder pads became a huge trend towards the end of the decade. For example, the Houston Press writes, “By the mid to late ’80s, it was almost impossible to find a jacket that didn’t have huge shoulder pads built into it.” Shoulder pads were seen in different types of apparel and were used to create an exaggerated silhouette.
Epic Fundraising Events
The ‘80s saw many huge fundraising events. Think televised concerts with special charity songs performed by some of the most famous musical acts. These events represented unity across the world, as everyone came together for the greater good. Large-scale music events such as this are far less common today.
Fax Machines
Fax machines used to be a staple in offices, as they were used as a way to transmit documents. Thanks to the digital age, fax machines are no longer used in offices as forms of communication. In the modern day, people choose to email, and fax machines are seen as outdated technology.
The Clapper
This device isn’t something many people would have heard of today. The clapper used to be an iconic sound-activated electrical switch that was released in the mid-’80s. It had many memorable commercials to help try and sell it, fully embodying the innovation of the era. Even though the clapper can still be bought, home automation technologies are often used instead.