Redundant and Obsolete: 15 Skills Millennials Learned in the 90s That Are Now Irrelevant in the Age of the Internet

The 1990s was a decade of significant change, particularly in the world of technology. The internet was still in its early stages, but it was already starting to have a major impact on people’s lives. As a result, some of the skills that millennials learned in the 90s are no longer relevant in the age of the internet.

Here are 15 skills that millennials learned in the 90s that are now irrelevant:

1. Memorizing phone numbers:

Before smartphones, people had to memorize the phone numbers of their friends, family, and other important contacts. But now, with our phones always on hand, we can simply look up any number we need.

2. Using a cassette tape:

Cassette tapes were used to listen to music and record sound before CDs and digital audio files became popular. But now, cassette tapes are rarely used, and most cassette players are no longer made.

3. Using a video cassette recorder (VCR):

VCRs were used to record and watch TV shows and movies before DVDs and streaming services became widespread. But now, VCRs are rarely used, and most TV shows and movies are available online.

4. Using a landline phone:

Landline phones were the standard type of phone before cell phones became popular. But now, with cell phones being so standard, landline phones are rarely used.

5. Burning CDs:

In the late 90s, burning CDs became a popular way to create and share music playlists. But now, with streaming services like Spotify and Apple Music, there’s no need to burn CDs anymore.

6. Playing video games on Nintendo 64 or PlayStation

The Nintendo 64 and PlayStation were popular video game consoles in the 1990s. However, these consoles have since been replaced by newer video game consoles like the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S. Millennials who learned to play video games on the Nintendo 64 or PlayStation may find their skills no longer relevant on newer consoles.

7. Programming in HTML:

HTML is the programming language used to create web pages. In the early days of the internet, it was necessary to know HTML to create a website. But now, there are many website builders and content management systems that make it easy to create a website without knowing any code.

8. Using a modem:

A modem is a device that connects a computer to the internet. In the early days of the internet, modems were slow and unreliable. But now, with high-speed internet connections like cable and fiber optic, modems are no longer necessary.

9. Using a floppy disk:

Floppy disks were the standard way to store and transfer data before USB drives and cloud storage became popular. But now, floppy disks are rarely used, and many computers don’t even have floppy disk drives anymore.

10. Using a map:

Before GPS navigation became popular, people had to use maps and road atlases to get around. But now, with GPS navigation apps like Google Maps and Waze, there’s no need to use a map anymore.

11. Using a pay-per-view service:

Pay-per-view services allowed people to watch movies and events on TV for a fee. But now, with streaming services like Netflix and Hulu, there’s no need to use a pay-per-view service anymore.

12. Rewinding VHS tapes:

VHS tapes were once the standard way to watch movies and TV shows. However, with streaming services like Netflix and Hulu, people can now watch movies and TV shows on demand.

13. Using a payphone:

Payphones were used to make phone calls before cell phones became popular. But now, with cell phones being so common, payphones are rarely used.

14. Using a checkbook:

Checkbooks were used to write checks and pay bills before debit cards and online banking became popular. But now, checkbooks are rarely used, and most people pay their bills online or with a debit card.

15. Using a Walkman:

Walkmans were once the standard way to listen to music on the go. However, with smartphones and streaming services like Spotify, there is no longer a need to use Walkmans.

While these skills may no longer be relevant in the age of the internet, they are still a part of millennials’ childhoods and memories. And for some people, they may even be a source of nostalgia.