If you had a time machine that took you back to the early 2000s, you’d probably use it—and we’d be there right by your side, with snacks for the journey.
The early 2000s were a vastly different and—arguably—far better time than the endless global crises we face in 2026. Many things that were completely normal and commonplace back then feel rare and luxurious now, and internet users shared the ones they miss the most. You’ll find their nostalgic posts as you scroll down.
#42
Everyone being so consumed by how they should be looking and trying to live up to Kardashian standards. I miss when people didn’t do everything for the gram and didn’t need everything to be so perfect all the time.
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9points
#43
Going to the movies. It was so inexpensive and something to look forward to. Now it’s $100 for 3 people.
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8points
#44
Drivers Ed classes offered in high school (US). This was a very accessible resource for just about every student, and it's just about phased out from what I've heard.
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8points
#46
I remember the first ipads we got - every game on there was like .99 or 1.99 or something but it was your game... no ads....
and speaking of ads - just fewer ads all around back then.
and speaking of ads - just fewer ads all around back then.
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7points
#47
Spontaneity — running into people you know somewhere … discovering a restaurant on a walk in cold.
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7points
#48
Being able to fly with as many suitcases as you wanted with no fee.
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7points
#50
Beef being a dinner staple. The surge in beef prices have made classics like burgers a special occasion.
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7points
#52
Just walking around the mall and being able to buy stuff with my birthday money or paycheck from my summer job.
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6points
#53
Road trips with friends. It's not that my friends don't want to go on them anymore, but we can't afford the cost anymore.
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6points
#54
Healthy liquid savings accounts. Gen X and before were raised to believe that we should all have a minimum of the equivalent of 6 months’ net take home pay in liquid savings - those days are goooooone, and the average American can no longer go more than 2-4 weeks without a job.
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6points
#55
Health insurance that was almost completely covered by your employer with only a $500 deductible.
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6points
#57
Family cabins. Now owning one property is too much let alone two for middle class families.
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6points
#58
Clubbing for me!
In the UK pubs used to close at 11:00pm and clubs would close at 01:00am. We used to get ready and be in the pub by 6:00pm for the cheap beer and a game of pool or darts, then shots at the bar at 09:30 to get across to the queue for the club before it got too big. In by 10:00, dance till 01:00, grab a Kabab, bran a cab and by home by 2:30.
It was perfect and didn’t [ruin] the next day completely.
In the UK pubs used to close at 11:00pm and clubs would close at 01:00am. We used to get ready and be in the pub by 6:00pm for the cheap beer and a game of pool or darts, then shots at the bar at 09:30 to get across to the queue for the club before it got too big. In by 10:00, dance till 01:00, grab a Kabab, bran a cab and by home by 2:30.
It was perfect and didn’t [ruin] the next day completely.
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6points
#60
Magazines with CDs in them, though I did see one at B&N recently. It was like between $15 to $30.
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6points