As we dive further into the 21st century, I can't help but reflect back on the glory days: the 90s and early 2000s. I know what adults must be thinking right now: "no, no, the 70s and 80s were the glory days." While that may be true, I never got to experience the 70s and 80s and neither has anyone else from my generation. While the days of rock n' roll and hipster might have been more casual and laid back, the 90s and early 2000s were prime years for my generation.
1. Technology wasn't a thing
We didn't get our first cell phone or personal computer until at least middle school. Back then, we had to call our friends on land lines because texting wasn't a thing; back then, you had to pay per text and it was expensive. While some might question why not having technology could be considered the "glory days," the days without technology were better because our version of fun was playing outside with our friends; we weren't sitting inside on Facebook or watching Netflix (although I will always love Netflix). Nowadays, children as young as seven receive their first phones (it might even be younger than that), and children as young as two are playing games on iPads.
2. Social media wasn't a thing
As much as I love social media, it has destroyed our generation. The amount of cyber-bullying and suicides related to cyber-bullying are disappointing and heartbreaking. Before the world had social media or any form of technology, you had to confront a person face-to-face--you couldn't create fake Facebook profiles or post hateful comments on their Instagram pictures. Back then, cyber-bullying wasn't a thing.
3. People weren't so obsessed with materialistic possessions
While being trendy has always been popular throughout the world, it didn't make or break someone if they didn't have the nicest shoes or most expensive handbag.
4. Television shows were SO much better
Maybe I'm biased because I grew up watching these shows, but I feel sorry for the children who never got to grow up regularly watching shows like "Drake and Josh," "Fresh Prince of Bel-Air," "The Amanda Show," "Rugrats" or "That's So Raven." I'm sorry, but shows like "Dog With a Blog" and "The Thundermans" just can't compare to shows from the 90s and early 2000s.
5. Reality TV hadn't conquered the world yet
I love "Keeping Up With the Kardashians," "The Bachelor" and "Jersey Shore" just as much as anyone else does, however, reality TV has taken over the world. People are no longer watching educational programs or programs that have a purpose, they would rather watch Ben Higgins date 34 girls and/or Kourtney and Scott arguing because he got too wasted in Vegas the weekend prior. Like I said, these shows are amusing and entertaining and provide hilarity for a lot of people, but they have ruined society and they have given people false expectations and perceptions of reality. No, being featured on a show like "16 and Pregnant" is not the goal in life; you might get famous, gain thousands of follows, and make it on the covers of a few magazines, but that should not be the end goal.
6. Music was SO much better
Nowadays, we often hear the same seven songs played over and over again on every radio station. Nowadays, there isn't much variety with music; whether it's EDM, country, or pop, most music sounds the same and it can often be hard to differentiate one artist or one song from the other. Sorry, but Ariana Grande doesn't compare to Mariah Carey like Little Mix can't compare to the Spice Girls.
7. Life was simpler
Back then, people weren't afraid of terrorism every time they stepped onto a plane. Back then, people weren't afraid of an active shooter in a school or a movie theater. Back then, over one third of the Great Barrier Reef wasn't dead and destroyed. Back then, the ice caps of the North and South Pole weren't melting as excessively. Back then, people didn't have to worry about cyber-bullying or harassment online. Back then, technology didn't control our lives and we weren't glued to our phones. Back then, life was easier.
