Being a teenager is a unique journey. Imagine being a teenager in the 1980s with its distinct music, fashion, and way of life. Now, compare that to being a teenager today, where technology dominates our lives. Together, we are going to explore these differences by hearing from someone who was a teenager during the 80s (Stephanie Crawford, my mother) and myself, a teenager today. We will show how being a teenager has changed over time.

In the vibrant 1980s, my mother, Stephanie Crawford, was immersed in a world of iconic music and bold fashion. “The 80s was the best music time,” she recalls, listing artists like Def Leppard and Bon Jovi. Fashion was equally extravagant, with big hair, tight jeans, and flipped collars. “If girls had longer hair, they made their hair very big, they teased it. The bigger, the better,” she adds. Communication was done by handwritten notes and landline phones. “We had a phone in between the kitchen and living room with about a ten-foot extension cable so you could walk around while chatting,” she reminisces. Entertainment revolved around roller skating and limited TV channels that shut off at midnight. When asked about the differences between the 80s and now, she notes that “there’s a lot more monitoring, for sure. Technology is worse now; social media lets everyone know everything about your social life.”

Transitioning from my mother’s vivid nostalgia of the 1980s to my experience as a teenager today reveals a clear distinction shaped by the dominance of technology. Unlike using landlines or passing notes, communication for my generation revolves around smartphones and social media platforms like Instagram, Snapchat, and much more. Similarly, instead of limited TV channels, we have streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, and even HBOMax that give us 24/7 various movies, shows, and documentaries to watch. Even with music, while my mother fondly recalls the ritual of fast-forwarding through cassette tapes to reach the next song, I navigate the digital landscape of streaming apps where millions of songs are just a tap away. With fashion, the rise of online influencers and fashion bloggers popularize trends, offering endless inspiration with just a few clicks. Everyone now has a unique style, but some popular clothing pieces consist of crop tops, crocs, and flared leggings.

The journey of being a teenager spans different eras, each defined by its distinct cultural atmosphere. From the vibrant 1980s to today’s digital age, the evolution of music, fashion, and communication reflects the profound impact of technology on our lives. While the landscape might change, the feeling of being a teenager remains timeless.