Today’s homes are packed with tech, convenience, and comforts that 1970s teens couldn’t have imagined. While teens back then were busy adjusting the antenna for better TV reception or waiting for a song on the radio to record, modern homes are filled with things that would seem futuristic, or just plain weird, to them. From voice assistants to TikTok ring lights, here are 10 things in your house right now that would blow a 1970s teen’s mind.
1. Smart speakers that talk back
Saying “Alexa, play music” or “Hey Google, turn off the lights” would’ve sounded like a sci-fi movie line in the ’70s. Back then, talking to machines meant you were watching Star Trek. Now, it’s just Tuesday. The idea that a little speaker could answer questions, set timers, and control your entire house without lifting a finger would’ve been jaw-dropping to any teen living in the age of rotary phones and rabbit-ear TVs.
2. Phones without cords
A teen in the ’70s would’ve been amazed to see you walking around your house, talking on a phone with no cord. Even cordless phones weren’t common yet, and long phone calls often meant dragging the cord down the hallway for privacy. A small device in your hand, with texting, video, games, and the internet? That would’ve sounded like a device from outer space, not something you toss on the kitchen counter like it’s no big deal.
3. Streaming every movie or song instantly
In the ’70s, teens had to wait for their favorite song to come on the radio or buy the record. Movies? You had to go to the theater or wait for it to air on TV. The idea of streaming any song, movie, or show instantly would’ve felt unreal. Your teen self back then wouldn’t believe that you could pull up a new album or an entire TV series with just a few clicks on a screen.
4. A fridge that talks or has a screen
A refrigerator that suggests recipes or shows you what’s inside without opening it? That would’ve sounded like something from The Jetsons. In the ’70s, fridges were simple and sometimes had an ice maker if you were lucky. Today’s smart fridges can play music, remind you to buy milk, and even connect to your phone. A teen from that era would’ve probably spent hours just poking the screen to see what else it could do.
5. Ring lights and content creation gear
In the ’70s, if you had a camera, it probably needed film, and you had to wait days to see your pictures. The idea of having ring lights, phone mounts, green screens, and microphones at home to make videos would’ve been wild. A 1970s teen wouldn’t understand why you’d need perfect lighting in your bedroom unless you were filming a TV show. Now, teens build full content studios in their rooms like it’s normal.
6. A TV that listens to you
Back then, you had to twist a dial to change the channel, maybe smack the side of the TV if the signal was off. The idea of a flat-screen television that hears you say, “Play Stranger Things” and just… does it? Mind-blowing. Add in surround sound, 4K resolution, and being able to pause live TV? A 1970s teen might honestly think they were dreaming or inside a futuristic control room instead of their living room.
7. Microwaves that cook full meals
Microwaves were still relatively new in the ’70s, and most people used them just to reheat. A teen from back then wouldn’t believe how far the technology has come. From one-touch popcorn buttons to full frozen dinners ready in minutes, today’s microwaves are fast, powerful, and essential. Back then, teens had to wait for ovens to preheat or heat leftovers on the stove. Speed-cooking in seconds would’ve been straight-up magic to them.
8. Lights you control with your phone
Imagine telling a ’70s teen that you can change your bedroom lights from blue to purple without touching a switch. Smart bulbs, app-controlled lighting, and even motion-sensing lamps would’ve seemed futuristic and unnecessary. Today, it’s just normal. Some teens can’t even fall asleep without a color-changing LED strip behind their bed. In the ’70s, the fanciest light setup you had was probably a lava lamp or maybe a clapper light, if you were lucky.
9. Video doorbells
A doorbell that shows you who’s outside from your phone? That would’ve sounded like spy gear in the ’70s. Back then, you peeked through a peephole or yelled “Who is it?” from behind the door. Now, you can answer from another room or another state. Motion sensors, night vision, and recording footage all in one little device would’ve blown their minds. It’s home security and convenience in one sleek gadget.
10. Virtual assistants planning your day
Having a voice assistant remind you of appointments, schedule meetings, or even order groceries online would’ve been the stuff of fantasy in the 1970s. Teens back then had paper planners, wall calendars, and payphones. Siri or Google Assistant would’ve seemed like a personal robot assistant, not something casually embedded in your phone or smart speaker. The idea that you could say, “Remind me to call Mom,” and your phone does it? Pure science fiction.
