Back in Time Today
The 1970s were a totally different world—especially for teens. Without smartphones, streaming, or social media, life was slower but just as wild in its own way. Teens found their own ways to have fun, rebel, and express themselves—and some of those ways would definitely raise eyebrows today. Here are 14 things ’70s teens did that today’s generation just wouldn’t recognize.
1. Hitchhiked Without a Second Thought
A hitchhiker’s thumb was the best ticket to adventure in the ’70s. Teens had a fearless trust in the kindness of strangers. With no ride-sharing apps, they relied on the goodwill of passersby to get from place to place.
Picture a carefree spirit, wind in their hair, as they hitched a ride to a concert or the beach. Yet, the risks were real, and the stories ranged from the mundane to the thrilling.
It was an era of spontaneous travel, marked by a sense of freedom and a touch of daring. Who needs GPS, anyway?
2. Smoked… Pretty Much Everywhere
In the ’70s, a haze of smoke was as common as disco balls. Teens lit up in school bathrooms, malls, and even airplanes. Smoking was not just a habit; it was a social statement and a break from rules.
Cigarettes were the norm, but marijuana was also making its quiet yet bold entrance into teenage life.
It’s hard to imagine now, but smoking bans were not yet in place, and the aroma of tobacco was a familiar, albeit controversial, scent of the era. Teens puffed away without the shadow of today’s health warnings looming over them.
3. Hung Out at the Mall All Day
The mall was the ultimate social hub for ’70s teens. It was a place where friendship, fashion, and fun intertwined seamlessly. Teens spent hours exploring record stores, playing arcade games, and indulging in fast food delights.
The food court buzzed with chatter, laughter, and the latest gossip.
Malls offered a sense of freedom, away from the watchful eyes of parents. Each visit was an adventure, filled with new sights and sounds. It was more than shopping; it was a culture, a lifestyle, and a rite of passage for many.
4. Called Friends from Pay Phones
Before the era of instant messaging, the pay phone was a teenager’s lifeline. Armed with a pocketful of quarters, teens huddled in phone booths to connect with friends.
Remembering phone numbers was an unwritten rule of friendship. Each call was precious, with time ticking away as coins clinked to the bottom of the pay phone.
In a world without texting, these calls held excitement, secrets, and sometimes heartbreak. The pay phone booth was a confessional, a place to share dreams and schemes.
5. Lived for the Roller Rink
The roller rink was the heartbeat of ’70s social life. Teens flocked to these venues, not just to skate, but to showcase their flair and finesse. Under the twinkling disco lights, friendships were forged and romances ignited.
The rink was a stage where teens expressed themselves through movement and style.
Every Friday night was a spectacle of music, laughter, and the sound of wheels on polished wood. Skating was more than a pastime—it was an expression of freedom and identity.
6. Made Mixtapes with Real Effort
Creating a mixtape was an art form in the ’70s. With precision and patience, teens recorded songs off the radio, capturing favorite tunes while avoiding DJ chatter.
Each tape was a labor of love, a curated collection of emotions and memories. Swapping mixtapes was akin to sharing a piece of one’s soul, a gesture of friendship or love.
The mixtape was personal, tangible, and unique—a stark contrast to today’s digital playlists. It was music that you could hold, rewind, and cherish.
7. Practiced the Art of the Love Letter
In a world before emojis, love was penned with ink and paper. Teens in the ’70s poured their hearts into love letters, carefully choosing words to convey their deepest feelings.
Each note was folded with care, often perfumed and sealed with a kiss. Exchanging letters was a tender ritual, a secret language of romance.
These handwritten tokens of affection were far more intimate than a text or a tweet. They were cherished keepsakes, tucked away in diaries and memory boxes.
8. Partied in Basements
Basement parties were the epitome of ’70s teenage rebellion. Away from prying eyes, teens gathered to dance, drink, and create unforgettable memories. Music blared from vinyl records, and the air was thick with youthful energy.
These gatherings were spontaneous and unfiltered, a true escape from the constraints of everyday life.
Without social media to capture every moment, the memories lived on in stories shared among friends. It was a time of freedom, marked by raw, unbridled fun.
9. Watched Saturday Morning Cartoons Religiously
Saturday mornings were sacred in the ’70s, dedicated to the beloved ritual of cartoon watching. Teens and kids alike gathered around the TV, cereal bowls in hand, to enjoy animated adventures.
Without streaming services, missing a cartoon meant waiting a week for the next episode.
These shows were more than entertainment; they were a shared cultural experience. The anticipation of new episodes added excitement to the weekend, creating cherished memories of simpler times.
10. Got Their News from Magazines and Radio
In the ’70s, news wasn’t just a click away. Teens turned to magazines and radio for the latest in pop culture, celebrity gossip, and world events.
Flipping through pages of glossy magazines was a sensory experience, from the smell of ink to the sound of turning pages.
Radio shows, like Casey Kasem’s Top 40, were eagerly anticipated for their lively commentary and hit songs. This era fostered a different kind of engagement, where information was savored, not skimmed.
11. Wore Bell-Bottoms and Didn’t Apologize
Fashion in the ’70s was bold, expressive, and unapologetic. Teens embraced styles that were as vibrant as their personalities. Bell-bottoms, fringe vests, and platform shoes dominated wardrobes, creating a distinctive look that defined the era.
Clothing was a form of rebellion, a statement of individuality and freedom.
Every outfit told a story, celebrating creativity and diversity. The fashion choices of ’70s teens continue to influence modern style, a testament to their lasting impact.
12. Snuck into Drive-In Movies
Drive-in theaters were a thrilling escape for ’70s teens. The allure of watching movies under the stars was irresistible. Sneaking in was a rite of passage, a mischievous adventure shared with friends.
Teens devised clever schemes to avoid ticket fees, from hiding in trunks to ducking under blankets.
The drive-in experience was about more than films; it was about camaraderie, creativity, and the thrill of bending the rules. The magic of these nights is fondly remembered by those who dared to defy convention.
13. Played Records at Full Volume
Vinyl records were the heartbeat of ’70s music culture. Teens played them at full volume, filling rooms with the sounds of rock, disco, and pop. Bands like Led Zeppelin and the Bee Gees were regulars on turntables.
Listening to music was an immersive experience, with album covers and liner notes adding to the allure.
The act of flipping a record and hearing the needle hit the groove was a ritual in itself. Music brought people together, creating shared moments and lasting memories.
14. Drove Around Just for Fun
Cruising was a beloved pastime for ’70s teens. With gas prices low, friends piled into cars, eager for adventure. The open road was a canvas for stories and friendships, as music blared from radios.
Every drive was a journey, with no destination in mind, just the joy of the ride.
It was a time of freedom, where laughter echoed against the wind and worries were left behind. Cruising created a sense of belonging, a shared experience of youth and possibility.