12 Things People In New Mexico Did Before The Internet Took Over Our Lives
By Juliet White
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Published May 15, 2017
When the Internet first began gaining popularity, few of us imagined the many ways in which it would alter our lives. Many of those changes were for the better; tasks became more convenient and the distances between loved ones felt shorter. Although the Internet expanded our worldview, it also tethered us to technology. At times, it’s tempting to feel nostalgic for an era that, while not necessarily easier, was certainly simpler. Here are some of the things we did before the Internet consumed our lives:
1. We took photos you could physically hold.
Once upon a time, when you took photos, you were never quite sure if they’d come out until you got them developed. Polaroid pictures were considered super fast.
This image suggests that selfie sticks could have been invented as early as 1925, but they were certainly not a mainstream item.
2. We shared our news face-to-face.
Your business wasn’t plastered over social media. Instead, you had to talk on the phone – not text – or see someone in person to catch up.
3. When our food arrived, we just ate it.
We didn’t care about lighting conditions and post it on Instagram.
4. We physically went to the mall and browsed through stores.
There was no such thing as a virtual shopping cart and shipping costs didn’t factor into purchasing decisions.
5. When we liked someone, we made them mix tapes. Sometimes we even recorded songs from the radio – static and all.
No compiling playlists or swiping right.
6. We forgot about our classmates…
…Unless we heard about them through mutual friends or attended reunions. Tracking down your grade school BFF was much harder.
7. We played outside until it was dark…
…Or let our kids do so. Sunset was the universal sign that it was time to go home.
8. The movie viewing experience was somewhat different.
Sure, we went to movie theaters – some of us were fortunate enough to live near drive-ins – but watching at home required a trip to the video store. For VHS tapes. There were often late fees involved and everyone knew the slogan: "be kind, rewind."
9. News wasn’t a 24/7 experience.
If you wanted to know what was going on in the world, you read the newspaper or waited for your news show of choice to air on the TV.
10. We didn’t Google. Instead we went to the reference section of the library and used an encyclopedia.
Those things were heavy.
11. We were attached to our phones…
…But in a very different way. And limited coverage meant you’d run out of cord. If you wanted privacy, you had to stretch it into another room or the nearest closet!
12. We went outside and explored our stunning state.
Thankfully, this is one activity that the Internet hasn’t changed. New Mexicans still love getting out into nature.
What would you add to this list?
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