As the last generation to grow up before the beginning of the internet age, I am very grateful to have had this time. Technological advances mean that this simpler way of existing will never be experienced again, unless we make a conscious effort to log off and unplug for long periods of time.
The predictors of internet doom
The inventor of Ethernet and a pioneer in networking technology, Robert Metcalfe, famously said in 1995 that the internet would “catastrophically collapse” within a year and that it would fail spectacularly.
The Nobel Prize-winning economist Paul Krugman famously stated in 1998 that the internet’s impact on the economy would be no greater than that of the fax machine.
Even Bill Gates was reportedly sceptical of the internet’s importance, viewing it as just another feature of computing rather than the transformative platform it would become.
By the mid-1990s, however, he had completely reversed his stance and championed the internet within Microsoft.
“I think there is a world market for maybe five computers.” ~ Thomas Watson, then chairman of IBM, in 1943.
The scepticism often came from viewing the internet through the lens of existing technologies, rather than recognising its potential to fundamentally transform communication, commerce, and culture.
How very wrong they all were.
Life before the internet
Looking back now from a very different technological age than the one that existed in the 80s, life before the internet was a lot better than the youth of today can imagine.
In fact, it offers valuable lessons that are still relevant today.
Examining this pre-digital world can help us better understand the importance of communication, patience, community, and focus, as well as the value of disconnecting from technology.
Here are some key takeaways from life during this time:
Deep Focus on Tasks
Without the distractions of smartphone notifications and the urge to check emails, social media or WhatsApp, our concentration could be sustained for longer. This will have resulted in higher quality outcomes at school or work, higher satisfaction and a sense of accomplishment.
We could immerse ourselves in a book for hours at a time and not feel we were missing out on anything in the digital world because it simply did not exist.
In his book Deep Work, Cal Newport argues that the ability to focus deeply on challenging tasks is a rare and valuable skill in today’s distraction-heavy world.
He argues that Deep Work involves focused, uninterrupted, high-value work that requires full concentration. It allows us to master complex skills quickly and creates competitive advantage for those who can practise it.
Physical Social Interaction
Life before the internet meant social interactions happened face-to-face rather than over WhatsApp or Discord. This help foster genuine relationships. Social bonds were often built through shared activities, whether through clubs, community events, or get-togethers with friends.
You’d arrange a time and place to meet, and everyone would turn up. Or you’d go round and knock on someone’s door to see if they were home.
We were also more likely to know and trust our neighbours, and if you needed a cup of sugar or an essential cooking ingredient, you’d simply go and ask.
Research by Farahani (2016) found that feeling a sense of community, attachment to community and neighbouring relationships can increase mental health and well-being, as well as the feeling of safety and security and increased satisfaction on the part of residents.
This acts as a remind of the importance of in-person relationships, of social connectedness, and the limitations of virtual connections for emotional closeness.
Handwritten Communication
Letters and handwritten notes were primary forms of long-distance communication. Writing letters took time and thought, often resulting in more meaningful exchanges.
Many of us had pen pals from different parts of the world, often arranged through schools. I wrote to a girl in Melbourne, Australia for several years sharing updates from our lives in different hemispheres.
Waiting for a reply could take days or weeks, making each letter’s arrival a special event. They could be kept in a drawer and revisited in years to come.
We’d also be encouraged to write thank you letters after birthdays and Christmas. Numerous studies highlight the benefits of expressing gratitude for improved physical and psychological well-being, and interpersonal relationships.
Writing letters, cards and notes reminds us of the value of thoughtful communication and how anticipation can make small moments significant.
Valuing Slow fashion
The absence of fast fashion in the pre-internet age brought many benefits, particularly in terms of sustainability, quality, and ethics.
While it’s now more accessible to follow trends and buy affordable clothes, the environmental and social costs of fast fashion are significant.
Re-embracing some of the pre-internet era’s fashion habits – such as valuing quality, repairing clothes, and buying less but better – could help address some of the negative impacts of the current fashion industry.
Enjoying Simple Pleasures
Without the ability to binge-watch shows on Netflix, BBC iPlayer, or Sky, we found joy in simple activities. Reading a book, telling stories, going for a walk, cooking from scratch, or spending time with loved ones were common sources of happiness. We would have been more mindful and more present.
The younger ones among us would spend hours out on our bikes, building dens in a nearby park, or roller-skating. These activities were fulfilling and free of the overstimulation that digital media brings.
Today, there’s a renewed appreciation for minimalism and simplicity, highlighting the importance of finding joy outside of technology.
Reading as a Primary Source of Knowledge
Books, newspapers, magazines (and Britannia encyclopaedias) were the main ways we accessed information and entertainment.
Now, there is also a lot of misinformation online from deliberate disinformation and fake news to unintentional inaccuracies. Propaganda, biased reporting, conspiracy theories, click bait, and scams, are all widespread online.
Before the internet, reading encouraged mental focus, imagination, and learning. It also helped develop critical thinking and comprehension skills, as information was more carefully considered without the immediate feedback of internet comments or social media.
Valuing Privacy and Boundaries
Privacy was easier to maintain, as personal lives were not broadcast online. People could separate their public and private personas, allowing them more control over who knew what about their lives.
The digital world has blurred traditional boundaries, making it easy for personal data to be exposed, privacy to be invaded, and mental and emotional limits to be crossed.
Respecting personal privacy gives people the space to disconnect, recharge, and engage with the world without constant intrusion.
Personal boundaries enable us to maintain control over how we’re perceived, limiting unwanted exposure or misrepresentation. This control fosters a sense of autonomy, where we can choose what parts of themselves to share and with whom.
All of this serves as a reminder of the downsides of the internet, and the increased need to protect our boundaries and personal boundaries.
Curating Experiences Over Accumulating Stuff
Materialism existed, but the pace was slower. People bought things with more intention, often because they weren’t constantly exposed to advertisements or influencers.
Gifts were often books, annuals, marbles, Fisher Price toys and board games. Mousetrap and Battleships were firm favourites.
Items were valued for their longevity and purpose rather than trends, encouraging a more sustainable way of living. This aligns with today’s push toward mindful consumption.
Relying on Local Knowledge and Expertise
People relied on local experts or community members for advice, whether for home repairs, cooking, or childcare.
This reliance on local expertise fostered a sense of interdependence and valued skill-based knowledge. We’d call into the local tools shop for advice on DIY and the equipment needed.
In today’s world, everything is a quick search away, and we often rely on YouTube tutorials for tasks we are not familiar with.
This reminds us of the importance of respecting and learning from those with practical skills.
Appreciation for Nature and the Outdoors
Without the internet, people were more likely to spend time outside. Nature walks, picnics, and outdoor games were common.
Although walking through forests didn’t really appeal at a young age, we’d enjoyed playing rounders and French cricket and collecting conkers to take to school (after soaking them in vinegar).
Research by White and colleagues (2019) found that individuals who reported spending at least 120 mins in nature per week had consistently higher levels of both health and well-being than those who reported no exposure to the natural environment.
This connection to the outdoors also encouraged a deeper appreciation for nature’s beauty, which Diessner and colleagues (2015) saw as “important for both the flourishing of our individual lives and for helping us become collectively motivated to not destroy our beautiful world.”
Sense of Anticipation
Whether it was waiting for a letter, a TV show airing, or a friend’s phone call, anticipation was a big part of life.
Delayed gratification taught us patience and made each experience more rewarding. Without the option watch several episodes of a TV show in one go, we’d simply have to wait a week for the next instalment.
If we were waiting for an important call, we’d often sit by the phone, checking that it had not been left ‘off the hook’ if you felt we’d been waiting too long.
Today’s instant-access culture can sometimes reduce the joy of anticipation, which remains an important aspect of happiness.
Embracing Physical Media
Music, movies, and photos were enjoyed in physical forms. People owned records, cassette tapes, CDs, and photo albums, which were tangible and could be shared.
Having physical copies of media created a sentimental value that digital media often lacks, reminding us that sometimes holding something physical can create a stronger connection.
Value of Hobbies and Skills
People had hobbies not for social media clout but for personal satisfaction. Many people today still enjoy exotic travel, extreme workouts, self-care rituals, interior design, fashion thrifting, lifestyle photography, and crafting for the joy and fulfilment they provide.
However, there are others who are engaging in these activities for social media clout and to have something interesting to post online.
Engaging in hobbies we genuinely enjoy simply because we want reminds us of the intrinsic value of creating, learning, and developing skills purely for personal enjoyment.
Timeless wisdom worth revisiting
Reflecting on life before the internet highlights many values and skills that are still relevant today. The slower pace allowed for deeper connections, genuine relationships, patience, and an appreciation for the simple pleasures in life.
In today’s fast-paced, digital world, integrating some of these pre-internet practices can lead to a more balanced and fulfilling lifestyle, reminding us that while technology can enrich our lives, sometimes the old ways offer timeless wisdom worth revisiting.
You might also like: The joy of nostalgia.
Sources
Diessner, R., Woodward, D., Stacy, S. and Mobasher, S., 2015. Ten once-a-week brief beauty walks increase appreciation of natural beauty. Ecopsychology, 7(3), pp.126-133.
Farahani, L. (2016) ‘The Value of the Sense of Community and Neighbouring’, Housing, Theory and Society, 33(3), pp. 357–376. doi: 10.1080/14036096.2016.1155480.
White, M.P., Alcock, I., Grellier, J., Wheeler, B.W., Hartig, T., Warber, S.L., Bone, A., Depledge, M.H. and Fleming, L.E., 2019. Spending at least 120 minutes a week in nature is associated with good health and wellbeing. Scientific reports, 9(1), pp.1-11.
