12 Once Popular Things That Society Now Makes Fun Of

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In the ever-changing landscape of culture and society, there are things that were once held in high regard, only to later fall out of favor and become the target of mockery. These shifts in perspective highlight how our values and tastes can change over time. From fashion choices to outdated technologies, these examples reveal the dynamic nature of our collective judgments and preferences.

1. Bell Bottoms

Once a fashion staple in the 1970s, bell-bottom pants have now become the subject of ridicule. These wide-legged trousers, often adorned with vibrant patterns, were favored by hippies and disco enthusiasts alike. However, in contemporary fashion, they are often seen as outdated and impractical. The exaggerated flare at the bottom has given way to more streamlined styles, and many consider bell bottoms a relic of a bygone era.

2. Tamagotchis

In the late 1990s, Tamagotchis were the ultimate virtual pet craze. These pocket-sized electronic pets required constant attention and care, as neglecting them could result in a virtual pet’s untimely demise. While they were once a status symbol on the school playground, these pixelated creatures are now mocked as primitive and simplistic compared to the sophisticated virtual experiences available today.

3. Pogs

Pogs, those small, collectible cardboard discs, enjoyed a brief moment of popularity in the 1990s. Kids would stack them and then use a heavier disc called a “slammer” to try and flip over their opponent’s Pogs. Despite the excitement they generated back then, Pogs are now remembered as a fleeting fad that didn’t offer much in terms of lasting entertainment value.

4. Beanie Babies

The Beanie Baby craze of the late 1990s and early 2000s was characterized by collectors frantically searching for rare plush toys, believing they would become valuable investments. However, the Beanie Baby bubble eventually burst, and these once highly sought-after stuffed animals are now seen as a symbol of irrational exuberance in the world of collectibles.

5. MySpace

Before the rise of Facebook and Instagram, MySpace was the go-to social media platform for young people to connect and share their lives online. With customizable profiles, glittery GIFs, and music playlists, it was a place to express individuality. Today, MySpace is often ridiculed for its gaudy and often chaotic designs, and its failure to adapt to changing social media trends led to its decline in popularity.

6. Frosted Tips

In the 1990s and early 2000s, frosted tips were a popular hairstyle among men seeking to add a touch of edginess to their look. Bleached blonde or light-colored streaks at the tips of their hair were all the rage. However, as fashion and grooming trends evolved, frosted tips lost their appeal and are now viewed as a cringe-worthy relic of the past.

7. Fanny Packs

Fanny packs, once considered a practical and hands-free way to carry essentials, fell out of fashion in the early 2000s. These waist-worn bags were often associated with tourists and an outdated sense of style. However, in recent years, fanny packs have made a surprising comeback in the fashion world, with some designers rebranding them as “belt bags” and incorporating them into high-end collections.

8. Overly Baggy Jeans

During the 1990s, baggy jeans were the epitome of cool, popularized by hip-hop culture. Jeans that hung low and had room to spare were a staple of the era. Today, these oversized jeans are often mocked for their impracticality and association with a style that has long since faded. Slim-fit and skinny jeans have taken their place in the fashion landscape.

9. Y2K Fashion

The turn of the millennium brought with it a unique fashion trend characterized by metallic fabrics, futuristic motifs, and excessive bling. Y2K fashion was all about embracing the technology-driven future, but in hindsight, it is often ridiculed for its over-the-top and sometimes gaudy aesthetics.

10. Crocs

While Crocs continue to have a dedicated following, they have also become a subject of ridicule in the fashion world. These rubber clogs, known for their comfort and durability, are often criticized for their unconventional appearance. Despite the mockery, Crocs have endured, finding a niche market and even collaborating with high-end designers to elevate their image.

11. Myspace Top 8 Friends

In the early days of social media, Myspace introduced the “Top 8 Friends” feature, allowing users to prominently display their closest connections on their profiles. It was a source of both pride and drama as friendships were ranked and rearranged frequently. However, in today’s era of more private and curated social media experiences, the concept of publicly ranking friendships seems outdated and juvenile, leading to ridicule for those who were once proudly featured in someone’s Top 8.

12. Beepers or Pagers

Before the era of smartphones, beepers or pagers were the epitome of communication technology. These small devices allowed people to receive short text messages or phone numbers to call back. However, with the advent of cell phones and the ability to send comprehensive text messages and make calls on the go, beepers now seem like relics from a less efficient age, often joked about for their limited functionality.