The ’70s were a whole different world—no cell phones, no seatbelt laws, and a very different idea of “safety.” People were out there living with a kind of freedom that seems almost wild by today’s standards. If you weren’t around back then, some of these might just make your jaw drop. Here are 15 things people did in the ’70s that would get some serious side-eye today.
1. Being Unreachable Was Normal
Remember when being “unreachable” was just called living your life? Parents didn’t feel guilty about missed calls, and if you weren’t home, people just tried again later. There was no constant pinging or buzzing, and honestly, everyone survived just fine. Today, taking a break from your phone feels almost rebellious—but back then, it was simply reality.
2. Hitchhiking Like It Was No Big Deal
Need a ride? Stick out your thumb and hope someone kind (and safe) picks you up. Hitchhiking was a pretty normal way to get around, and people genuinely trusted the kindness of strangers. These days, most of us will just call an Uber when we need to get somewhere, but in the ’70s, getting into a random car was as casual as calling a friend for a lift.
3. Ignoring Seat Belts—If You Even Had One
Seat belts were more “optional” than “essential” in the ’70s. Kids bounced around the back seat, people lounged across the front, and if there was a seatbelt, it was more of a decoration than a safety precaution. Today, seat belt laws are strict, but back then, they were practically unheard of. The thought of a car full of unbuckled kids would make most of us cringe today.
4. Letting Kids Roam Free (All Day)
’70s kids didn’t stay glued to their parents’ side. They left in the morning, came back at dusk, and no one worried. If you showed up for lunch, great, if not, see you at dinner. Tracking kids with a phone sounds preposterous when you think about it. Parents just assumed their kids were fine—and for the most part, they were. Today, that kind of freedom is a thing of legend.
5. Eating Tang and TV Dinners Like They Were Fancy
Back in the day, Tang and TV dinners were kind of “space age” cuisine. Tang, thanks to NASA, was like a sip of the future, and TV dinners were cutting-edge convenience. Nowadays, Tang is a relic and TV dinners are more “retro” than revolutionary, but in the ’70s, they were what cool families had in the pantry.
6. Riding in the Back of Pickup Trucks
There was nothing quite like riding in the back of a pickup on a warm summer day. It wasn’t just a mode of transportation—it was a total thrill. Today, we see a safety hazard, but back then, it was the ultimate adventure. Seat belts? Safety laws? Nah, just hang on tight and enjoy the breeze.
7. Smoking… Everywhere
In the ’70s, smoking wasn’t just a habit, it was practically a lifestyle. People lit up in restaurants, on airplanes, in offices—you name it. Want a smoke with your steak? Go right ahead. Today, the idea of puffing away in a hospital waiting room is beyond unthinkable, but back then, it was pretty much normal.
8. Bell-Bottoms and Tie-Dye Everywhere
If you didn’t own at least one pair of bell-bottoms or a tie-dye shirt in the ’70s, were you even there? People wore bold patterns, big collars, and flare jeans with zero irony. These looks weren’t costumes to us, they were what we wore every day. Nowadays, we save these for theme parties, but back then, it was just how you showed up to the grocery store.
9. Roller Skating Was a Legit Social Event
Roller rinks were the place to be—disco music, flashing lights, and a crowd of people gliding around in sync. Roller skating was an all-ages activity, and it wasn’t just for kids. It was as much a social hangout as it was exercise. Today, roller rinks are harder to find, but in the ’70s, it was where everyone went to show off their best moves.
10. Hairstyles Were Bigger Than Life
From perms to mullets, the ’70s were all about big hair. If your hair didn’t require a can of hairspray to keep it in place, you were doing it wrong. Maximum volume was the goal, and people went to great lengths to make sure their hair had personality. Nowadays, we tend to go for more “natural” looks, but the ’70s? It was go big or go home.
11. Watching TV Together as a Family Ritual
With limited channels and no streaming, people tuned into the same shows, often as a family. Whole neighborhoods would be watching the same weekly episodes of “M*A*S*H” or “All in the Family.” It was practically a bonding experience. Today, with endless streaming options, we rarely watch the same shows at the same time, let alone as a whole household.
12. Vinyl Records and Borrowing Music
In the ’70s, sharing music wasn’t done by s ending a link—it meant lending someone a record. Vinyl was cherished, and you’d sit and listen to a whole album, crackles and all. Borrowing a friend’s album was a big deal, and you knew you’d better give it back in one piece. Now, everything’s digital, but back then, music sharing was hands-on.
13. Saying Goodbye at the Airport Gate
Airport security was practically nonexistent, and saying goodbye at the gate was normal. Friends and family would walk you right to your boarding area and wave as you boarded. Today, strict security means only ticketed passengers can get anywhere near the gate. The airport was a way less stressful experience back then—it was almost enjoyable!
14. Jazzercise and Barely Any Gyms
Exercise in the ’70s meant Jazzercise classes, jogging around the block, or no exercise at all. Fitness culture wasn’t the industry it is now, and if you were getting active, it was probably to some upbeat disco beat in a room full of leotards. Gyms were rare, and the idea of daily workouts was totally normalized.
15. Small Portion Sizes
If you look at pictures of ’70s portion sizes, they’d probably seem tiny compared to today. Meals were smaller, sodas weren’t supersized, and dessert was a treat, not a daily indulgence. Fast-forward to now, and portions have practically doubled, making ’70s dining look like diet food. People didn’t need “portion control” apps—it was just how they ate.
This content was created by a real person with the assistance of AI.
