10 ’70s Viral Fads That Were Forgotten For The Right Reasons
via Daniele Cinto / YouTube
The 1970s were a time of unique trends that briefly captured public attention. Here are ten fads from that era that have since faded into obscurity.
1. Pet Rocks
View this post on Instagram
In 1975, Pet Rocks became a surprising craze. These were ordinary stones sold as pets, complete with a box and care instructions. The novelty amused many, leading to millions of sales. However, the fad was short-lived, and soon people lost interest in their inanimate companions.
2. Mood Rings
View this post on Instagram
Introduced in the mid-1970s, mood rings featured stones that changed color, supposedly reflecting the wearer’s emotions. While many found them intriguing, the rings’ accuracy was questionable. As the decade ended, the fascination with mood rings diminished, and they became a relic of the past.
3. Streaking
View this post on Instagram
Streaking involved running naked through public places and became a daring trend in the early ’70s. It was seen as a form of rebellion and spontaneity. Despite its brief popularity, legal consequences and changing social norms led to its decline.
4. Waterbeds
View this post on Instagram
Waterbeds gained popularity in the 1970s as a novel way to sleep. They were praised for comfort and support. However, issues like leaks and maintenance problems made them less appealing over time. By the 1980s, their popularity had waned, and traditional mattresses regained favor.
5. CB Radios
View this post on Instagram
Citizen Band (CB) radios became a communication fad among truckers and hobbyists in the ’70s. People used them to chat and share information on the road. With advancements in technology and the rise of mobile phones, CB radios lost their appeal and became less common.
6. Earth Shoes
View this post on Instagram
Earth Shoes, introduced in the 1970s, featured a unique sole design that positioned the heel lower than the toe. They were marketed as promoting better posture and health. Despite initial popularity, their unconventional look and mixed reviews on comfort led to a decline in sales.
7. Biorhythms
Biorhythms were a trend in the ’70s that involved charting physical, emotional, and intellectual cycles to predict personal performance. Many people tracked these cycles, believing they influenced daily life. Over time, skepticism about their scientific validity caused interest to wane.
8. Clackers
View this post on Instagram
Clackers were a toy consisting of two acrylic balls on a string that users would swing to make them hit each other, creating a clacking sound. They became popular in the early ’70s. However, safety concerns arose due to injuries, leading to their decline.
9. Sea Monkeys
View this post on Instagram
Marketed as instant pets, Sea Monkeys were tiny brine shrimp sold in kits. Children were fascinated by the idea of growing creatures from powder. Despite the initial excitement, many were disappointed by the reality, and the fad eventually faded.
10. Disco Fashion
View this post on Instagram
The disco craze of the late ’70s brought about flashy clothing styles, including bell-bottoms and platform shoes. While the music genre left a lasting impact, the associated fashion trends were short-lived. As disco’s popularity declined, so did the enthusiasm for its distinctive attire.
