The ’70s were a wild time – people had fewer rules in their lives and many normal activities from that decade would be considered unthinkable today. It’s shocking to see how drastically standards have shifted when you compare today’s norms to the ‘70s habits. You may feel nostalgic about some of these habits – some of these may also make you question how anyone managed to survive the decade. Here are 10 common behaviors from the 1970s that would shock people today.
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Smoking Everywhere—Literally Everywhere
In the 1970s, smoking was not just common – it was expected. People could smoke in offices, airlines, restaurants, and even hospitals. At a doctor’s appointment today, you wouldn’t expect to see your doctor smoking during your blood pressure check. Back then? Totally normal. Now? Outrageous and completely banned in most places.
No Seatbelts, No Problem
People wore seatbelts by choice – it was not considered a mandatory rule. Children rode in front seats, and infants were carried on laps – without raising any concerns. Back then, some vehicles did not have any seatbelts in the back seating area. In most places today, wearing a seatbelt is mandatory by law and is also regarded as reckless behavior.
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Hitchhiking Was a Thing
Need a ride? All you had to do to get a ride was hold up your thumb – a total stranger would stop for you. In the 1970s, hitchhiking was a regular means of transportation but today people refuse to share rides with strangers. Because of modern safety concerns, rideshare apps have become the closest we have today to this old-school travel method.
Letting Kids Roam Free All Day
Back in the 1970s, children left their homes in the morning and returned home only when streetlights lit the streets. No cell phones, no check-ins—just pure freedom. Today’s parents would never allow their kids to wander off for hours without tracking their exact location. The “be home by dinner” rule has been replaced by GPS tracking devices and constant text messaging updates.
Drinking and Driving Was Shockingly Common
People viewed DUI cases with much less seriousness than they do now. After getting drunk at bars people would get into their cars and drive home without thinking twice. Nowadays, stringent laws and rideshare services along with awareness campaigns make sure that people understand that driving after drinking is completely unacceptable.
Casual Workplace Harassment
Office humor that was acceptable during the ’70s would now result in legal action. People dismissed inappropriate jokes, uninvited shoulder rubs, and harassment by labeling them as “just the way things are.” The evolution of workplace culture now enables previously overlooked behavior to be recognized for its unacceptable nature.
Letting Kids Ride in the Back of Pickup Trucks
Picture this: The open bed of a pickup truck carrying a bunch of kids who bounce around freely, with the wind blowing their hair and no seatbelts. Back then, it was normal to see children riding in truck beds without protection, but modern parents insist on proper car seats and never allow their kids to ride unsecured in trucks.
Lead Paint and Asbestos Were Everywhere
During the ’70s, people commonly used lead-based paint in their homes or worked in buildings containing asbestos without any concerns. These materials were everywhere—schools, homes, offices. Thanks to strict new regulations, these dangerous materials are now completely phased out.
TV Was Completely Unfiltered
There were no parental controls for TV, so programs could display far more adult content than is allowed today. Offensive jokes, casual sexism, and kids watching night shows without any restrictions were the norm. Modern networks and streaming platforms use content warnings, ratings, and parental control features to maintain appropriate content standards.
No Helmets, No Worries
Children rode bicycles, motorcycles and even used skateboards without any helmets. Safety gear? Who needed that? It was only after many years that people realized its danger. Today wearing helmets during biking or skating activities is considered responsible behavior.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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