If I told my daughter there were no tablets, smartphones, YouTube, or the Internet when I was 18, she would not believe me.
Today, in 2025, the Internet is standard. Everyone has access to it and utilizes it. Take a journey with me to learn what we did before the Internet.
Born in the 1970s
I grew up in the 1970s and 80s, graduated from high school in 1989, and graduated from university four years later. The Internet arrived sometime between 1994 and 1995 while I was in graduate school.
I remember using interlibrary loans to obtain the information I needed for my thesis. I rarely used the Internet because it was new—adapting to change is hard—so I did most of my work the old-fashioned way, as did most people during that time.
In the absence of having the Internet, I remember the following:
- Writing letters and sending cards. I usually grabbed a pen and a few sheets of notebook paper to write a letter—everyone did it, and that’s how we communicated with friends and family. However, today, I cannot remember the last time I wrote a letter. I will start handwriting letters in 2025, especially since I am learning Spencerian cursive handwriting. I want to show off my elegant penmanship.
- Talking on the phone. Whenever someone was in my thoughts, I would dial their number to say hello. The person on the other end of the call would never hesitate to thank me for calling because they were having a bad day, and talking to me made them feel better. Today, we have smartphones, but some do not use phones for talking; instead, we text.
- Spending time with family and friends. We would play games, dance, sing, laugh, eat, and enjoy good company at social gatherings. I recall being at a cookout a few years ago, sitting at the dining room table chatting with my uncle about various topics. I had the best time laughing and cutting up with him. I cherish the times I had with him because a few months ago, he passed away. We must make time for those special people in our lives. The Internet can never replace human experience, interaction, and connection.
- Being out and about. We went out more and were not locked up in our homes staring at digital devices. Even when I entered the workforce after graduate school, I was not one to use the Internet; instead, I was out doing things. I would go to the library, book store, park, church, mall, and many other places. It is where I met people and made friends. I even met my husband while I was working my part-time evening job. I doubt I would have met him if I had been couped up in my apartment after working my 9-5 staring at a screen. I need to do better by being out and about in my community.
- Socializing in person. I socialized more in person with others when there was no internet. I recall having friends in my teens and early adulthood. We did fun activities together, and I felt a sense of community and friendship with them. As I write this, I have fond memories of my friends. One of my high school friends loaned me a dress for the talent show – I won third place. 😁
Socialization is essential, but it is lacking today. Although we have social media sites, social media is not a place for socializing; in my experience, it makes us less sociable.
Final Words
I could share more, but I will stop here. I have wonderful memories of what I did before the Internet.
It is amazing how things that were common to do before the Internet, like writing a letter by hand, have become almost non-existent in 2025.
Do you remember life before the Internet? Please share by commenting below.
Yes, I remember time before the internet. My friends would call my parents’ landline and say hello to them first then ask for me. Wow. Talk about memories. My first email address in college was my first name and YOB. That’s what the professor told everyone to do. I had that email address for YEARS. lol
Hey Regina!!
Yeah, the landline, brings back lots of memories. And wow, to how the professor told everyone to set-up their email. That’s wild
Thanks for taking time to visit and read my post, I appreciate it!
Have a wonderful weekend!!
I have enjoyed reading this post – very thought provoking. You stated so many truths. Your experiences and views really resonated with me. I have often shared with others how the internet leaves permanent impressions (both helpful and hurtful). When you and I were teenagers, we could leave a “bad day”in the past. Years later, that “bad day” would only be etched in our minds. But, not today! If a young person has a “bad day” today, whatever happened would be posted on social media immediately and left there to be judged by all onlookers FOREVER. Today’s youngsters are not allowed to escape temporary indiscretions and mistakes. It is so sad how the internet can destroy a person’s reputation and/or self-esteem. I see it all TOO often. On another note, the internet can be a haven for those of us who are reserved/introverts/loners.
As you stated, “the Internet can never replace human experience, interaction, and connection”. For many in this generation, the art of communication has been lost. It shows with the poor quality in customer service when I’m in public places. TOO many people work before the public and have no tact. I believe that the social media age has hindered genuine communication and customer service skills.
Thank you for this post. I have often tried to describe to my youngest how I had to do research papers. It is hard for him to even comprehend how I had to literally go to a physical building to check out books and then return them before their due date.
Blessings to you, my friend!!!
Hey Ms. Tanya!!
Thank you for chiming in with your comment! It is thought provoking, indeed. I am sorry for my late reply, but I am here.
I can see your comment being part of a sermon / bible study message. It is good stuff. The customer service is lacking today and I never thought about
the internet/social media being the culprit, but I can see how it has changed so many things.
Thank you my friend for stopping by and leaving your insightful comment!
Blessings to you, also my friend!!
Blessing to you, also. (hmm, I can see that being included in a Bible study/sermon)🤨🤔😇
Hey there! I think I was unclear in my reply to you. You made an excellent comment and observation about the internet leaving permanent impressions (helpful & hurtful). It would be a good message to share, especially with our young people. You may have already do it, though. I’m sorry about that. Take care, my friend!!
Shalom Evelyn,
I was visiting your channel and notice you had a website which I decided to visit. I like this post because it speaks about things I actually prefer doing, especially handwriting notes and even letters every now and then. I had to look of Spencerian handwriting and it looks like something I would be interested in learning as well. Please make more post about your journey of learning Spencerian writing. Shalom
Shalom Danielle,
I am sorry for my belated reply. Thank you for visiting, reading, and commenting!
Yes, I can make a post about my Spencerian journey. I’ve been procrastinating, but will get started soon.
Have a great weekend!
Hi Evelyn,
It is good to have you back on your blog.
Yes, I totally agree with you! We lived our best lives before the internet.
I was just talking on the phone with my sister the other day. We discussed the same issue of not making the time to visit each other like we used to.
This year I plan to be more intentional about spending more time with family and reconnecting with old friends.
Hi Pam!
I’ve been slack, but I am back. I plan to post regularly. I apologize for my belated reply!!
Thank you for sharing how you plan to be intentional with family and friends.
Happy weekend!!
Thank you 😃