Let’s take a trip back in time to the 1980s.

It was a time of big hair, bright colors, and lots of fun. But there’s more to the 80s than just that. There are many things that have been forgotten over the years.

So, let’s get ready to talk about 12 special things from the 80s that only people with really good memories will remember. This isn’t just about video games and toys. We’re going to talk about all kinds of things that were important during this fun and interesting time.

We believe it’s important to remember and talk about our past. The 80s might seem like a long time ago, but for some people, these memories are still very clear. So let’s bring back some of those memories with a little bit of fun.

Are you ready? Let’s go back in time and remember the exciting 1980s!

1) Floppy disks

Remember these?

Before the cloud and USB drives, we had floppy disks. These small, square devices were the main way to save and transfer data. They might seem ancient by today’s standards, but back in the 80s, they were groundbreaking technology.

Imagine saving your important documents on a disk that could only hold up to 1.44 MB of data!

To put it into perspective, a typical song file today can take up around 3.5 MB of space. That means you couldn’t even fit a single song onto a floppy disk!

But despite their limitations, floppy disks were a crucial part of computing history and paved the way for the digital storage solutions we use today. So if you remember using these, you’re definitely one of the sharpest minds who haven’t forgotten about this iconic piece of the 80s.

2) VHS tapes

Who can forget the VHS tapes?

Long before Netflix and chill, we had VHS and rewind. Movie nights meant a trip to the local video rental store to pick up the latest release, and then making sure to rewind the tape before returning it!

These chunky black rectangles were our main source of home entertainment.

We’d watch our favorite movies over and over until the tape wore out. And who can forget the frustration when the VCR chewed up our beloved tapes?

But despite all the hassles, there was something special about popping in a VHS tape and hitting play. The grainy picture, the fuzzy sound, it all adds up to a dose of nostalgia that takes us right back to the 80s.

3) Cassette walkman

It’s hard to forget my first cassette Walkman.

This portable player was my best companion during long family road trips. I remember carefully choosing which cassettes to bring along, trying to predict what music I’d be in the mood for during the journey.

I can still recall the excitement of popping in a new cassette, pressing play, and hearing the music start.

And then there was the inevitable moment when the tape would get tangled up in the Walkman. I remember carefully unwinding it with a pencil, praying that my favorite mixtape hadn’t been ruined.

In today’s world of Spotify and Apple Music, it’s easy to forget how revolutionary the Walkman was. But for those of us who lived through the 80s, it was a game-changer. It made music portable and personal in a way that hadn’t been possible before.

4) The original brick-sized mobile phones

Can you remember the first mobile phones?

They were far from the sleek, pocket-sized devices we have today. The earliest models were often referred to as “bricks” due to their size and weight. These bulky devices were more of a status symbol than a practical tool due to their high cost.

Here’s an interesting fact:

The first commercially available cell phone was the Motorola DynaTAC 8000X. It was released in 1983 and cost a whopping $3,995!

That’s more expensive than most high-end smartphones today, and it didn’t even have a color screen or any of the features we take for granted now.

Despite their limitations, these early mobile phones were a significant step towards the connected world we live in today.

5) Handwritten letters

In the age of emails and instant messaging, it’s easy to forget the charm of handwritten letters.

Back in the 80s, putting pen to paper was the primary way of keeping in touch with distant friends and family. There was something incredibly personal and heartfelt about this form of communication.

The anticipation of receiving a letter, the excitement of opening it, and the joy of reading someone’s thoughts and experiences – it was an emotional process that’s hard to replicate in today’s digital world.

Handwritten letters were more than just a way to communicate; they were a labor of love. Each word was carefully chosen, each sentence painstakingly crafted. These letters were cherished keepsakes, tangible reminders of relationships and moments in time.

6) Dial-up internet

Who can forget the iconic sound of the dial-up internet connecting?

I certainly can’t. It was a sound that signaled the start of an online adventure, despite the frustratingly slow speed. I remember sitting in front of the computer, waiting patiently (or sometimes not so patiently) for websites to load.

Logging onto the internet was a much more deliberate and time-consuming process back then. There was no quick checking of emails or social media. Every minute online was precious, especially since many of us had limited internet hours.

And let’s not forget the struggle of trying to use the phone and the internet at the same time. The struggle was real!

Despite its limitations, dial-up internet was our gateway to a whole new digital world. It’s a part of my 80s experience that I’ll never forget.

7) Smoking sections in restaurants

Here’s a hard truth from the 80s – smoking was everywhere.

In today’s world, where we’re aware of the dangers of second-hand smoke, it seems crazy to think there were designated smoking sections in restaurants. Back then, you could light up a cigarette while waiting for your meal, and no one would bat an eye.

It wasn’t just restaurants. Airplanes, offices, even hospitals allowed smoking in certain areas. It’s a stark contrast to the smoke-free public spaces we’re used to today.

Looking back, it’s clear how much our understanding and attitudes towards health and public safety have evolved. The smoking sections of the 80s are a reminder of a time when things were very different.

8) Rotary dial telephones

Before the era of smartphones and even push-button phones, we had the rotary dial telephone.

These charming devices were a common sight in 80s households. Making a call involved turning the dial for each digit of the phone number, waiting for it to rotate back before dialing the next number. It was a slow process compared to today’s instantaneous connections.

Here’s an interesting fact:

Did you know that the rotary dial telephone was first introduced in the early 20th century? It remained the standard for decades until push-button phones started to become more common in the 80s.

Despite being replaced by more modern technology, rotary dial telephones hold a special place in our cultural history. If you remember using one of these, you’ve got a direct line to an era gone by.

9) Typewriters

I remember the distinct clack-clack sound of a typewriter.

In my early schooling years, I had to use a typewriter for creating reports and essays. I remember the satisfaction of pressing each key and seeing the letters appear instantly on the paper.

But, it wasn’t without its challenges. There was no backspace or delete button to correct mistakes. If you made an error, you either had to start over or use correction fluid to cover it up.

Despite the challenges, there was something magical about using a typewriter. It required patience and precision, and it gave a sense of accomplishment that’s hard to find in today’s era of auto-correct and spell-check.

10) Lack of diversity on TV

Let’s face it – the 80s wasn’t a great time for representation on television.

Most of the popular shows featured predominantly white, middle-class characters. There was a noticeable lack of diversity in terms of race, sexuality, and even body types.

Looking back, it’s clear that television in the 80s didn’t accurately represent the diverse society we lived in. It’s a sobering reminder of how far we’ve come, but also of how far we still have to go in ensuring equal representation in media.

11) The threat of nuclear war

The 80s was a time of significant political tension. The Cold War was in full swing, and the threat of nuclear war was a constant presence.

It was a time when school children were taught what to do in case of a nuclear attack, and movies and songs reflected this fear.

The raw, underlying anxiety of those times is something that can’t be forgotten by those who lived through it.

12) Environmental ignorance

In the 80s, environmental awareness was not as mainstream as it is today.

Plastic bags were used without a second thought, and recycling wasn’t a common practice. There was little awareness about global warming or the importance of sustainable living.

It’s a stark reminder of how our understanding and attitude towards the environment have evolved over time.

Those who remember these times bear witness to this crucial shift towards environmental consciousness.