I went to college in the early 2000s, a time when life felt a lot simpler. Back then, cell phones were a rarity, and sharing the dorm’s landline was a common practice. Ah, those were the days!
If someone needed to reach you, it was easy to ignore a phone call, an email, or even a letter that arrived via traditional mail. There was no fear of doing something foolish and becoming a viral sensation overnight. Oh, and we certainly never did anything embarrassing or immature—well, at least not that anyone could prove! Here’s a list of ten things I’m relieved didn’t exist when I was in college:
10. Social Media
During my undergrad years, we had a service called Campus Snapshots. It wasn’t a social media platform; instead, it was a company that sent photographers to campus events—mainly fraternity and sorority parties—to capture the fun. Photos were posted online for purchase days later, and my friends and I would eagerly browse through thousands of images, hoping to catch a glimpse of our latest crush. Thank goodness Facebook didn’t make its debut until my first year of law school, and even then, it required a college email to join! If it had existed back then, I would probably have faced some serious consequences for my online stalking habits.
9. Text Messaging
Text messaging only arrived in my senior year, and most people avoided it because typing out a single word felt like a challenge. Plus, with my dad charging me 25 cents for each incoming text, I was hesitant to use it. We actually had to call each other or log into AIM with our bulky desktops to make plans. My screen name? “sillygoose.” Don’t ask!
8. Reality Dating Shows
The Bachelor was around during my college years, but the extravagant dates didn’t become a thing until later. If I’d watched those over-the-top romantic escapades back then, I would have felt insecure about my own dating life. I mean, who wouldn’t want a helicopter ride over the Grand Canyon instead of a trip to the local pizza buffet?
7. Camera Phones
In college, we relied on disposable cameras from the drugstore. The thrill of developing those photos was like opening a mystery box—sometimes disappointing, sometimes delightful. There were no filters or instant uploads; you had to wait to see how your pictures turned out. Plus, keeping certain photos hidden from your partner was a must!
6. Selfies
Taking selfies wasn’t really a thing with disposable cameras. If you attempted one, you had to wait for the film to develop, and there was no way to share it online. Being caught taking a picture of yourself back then would have led to whispers of vanity and narcissism.
5. Wikipedia
Researching back then meant physically going to the library and mastering the card catalog. Now, students can easily plagiarize from the comfort of their couches thanks to resources like Wikipedia. I can’t help but think that I might have been tempted to take shortcuts if it had been available.
4. Online Shopping
I didn’t have a car during my first two years, which meant that if I needed something, I either took the bus or begged my friends for rides. If Amazon Prime had existed, I would have likely been broke, spending money I didn’t have on things like a new wardrobe or the latest albums. Click, click, boom!
3. Smart Phones
Back then, I enjoyed being fully present with my friends, free from the constant pressure to reply to messages or share my mundane activities on social media. Life was about living in the moment.
2. Hashtags
#whenIwasincollege #wewerentobsessedwithhashtags #andwecouldlaughinrealife #withoutfeelingthepressure #tobehumorousonline
1. Dating Apps
The concept of applications like Tinder that pull data from social media to suggest matches would have been overwhelming. Swiping right or left based on a profile photo? No thanks.
Cheers to a time when life was simpler and more disconnected!
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Summary:
Reflecting on my college years, I’m grateful for the absence of social media, text messaging, and other modern conveniences that might have complicated my life. The simplicity of that time allowed for genuine connections and experiences, something I cherish.