The 2000s were a wild time to be a teen: flip phones, MySpace, and chunky highlights ruled the scene. But not every trend from that era stood the test of time. Looking back, some of the things teens did back then feel cringey, unhealthy, or just plain confusing. Whether it was how we dressed, what we ate, or how we behaved online, these habits definitely didn’t age well. If you were a 2000s teen, get ready for a dose of nostalgia and secondhand embarrassment.
1. Over-Plucking Eyebrows Into Thin Lines
In the 2000s, thin eyebrows were everything. Teens would pluck their brows until they were barely visible, thinking it looked polished and trendy. It was common to shape them into sharp arches or skinny lines, often ignoring what looked natural. Now that full brows are popular again, the old look feels harsh and awkward. Many people still regret it because those over-plucked hairs never really grew back.
2. Bragging About How Little You Ate
In the 2000s, skipping meals wasn’t just common; it was treated like a badge of honor. Teens would proudly say things like “all I had was coffee” as if hunger was trendy. Eating tiny portions or avoiding food at lunch felt normal, especially with magazines pushing unrealistic body goals. Looking back, it was a toxic mindset. Today, there’s more focus on health and balance, and starving yourself is no longer seen as something to brag about.
3. Using T9 Texting Like It Was a Superpower
Before smartphones, texting on flip phones meant tapping each number key multiple times just to type one letter. Teens became lightning fast at using T9, often texting entire conversations without even looking. It felt like a secret skill everyone needed. But now, with full keyboards, voice messages, and autocorrect, that old texting method feels slow and frustrating. What once felt advanced now seems like ancient digital history.
4. Writing LiKe ThIs on MySpace and AIM
Back then, typing in mixed caps with random symbols was the go-to style for being quirky online. Teens would decorate messages with stars, squiggles, and switch between upper and lowercase letters. It was meant to stand out, but now it just looks messy and hard to read. What felt fun and expressive at the time has aged into pure internet cringe. Most people today wouldn’t dare write a text like that again.
5. Treating MySpace Top Friends Like a Social Ranking
On MySpace, teens could list their “Top 8” friends for everyone to see. Changing the order or removing someone could spark real drama. It turned friendships into a public scoreboard, where feelings got hurt over a digital list. What seemed fun back then now feels petty and stressful. Social media today focuses more on private connections, and most people would never rank their friends so openly anymore.
6. Layering Multiple Polos With Popped Collars
Wearing two or three polo shirts at once, each with the collar flipped up, was somehow considered stylish in the 2000s. Inspired by teen TV shows and mall fashion, this look was everywhere. It was supposed to show confidence, but really, it just looked stiff and uncomfortable. The stacked collars and bold colors made outfits feel forced. Looking back, it’s one of those trends that makes people wonder what they were thinking.
7. Posting Cryptic Song Lyrics as Facebook Statuses
In the early days of Facebook, teens loved using vague song lyrics to hint at their mood. Lines from emo bands or breakup anthems would pop up with no explanation. It was a way to get attention without saying anything directly. Friends would try to guess what happened, but the meaning was often left hanging. Today, that habit feels overly dramatic. Most people now just post their thoughts or memes and keep it real.
8. Flat Ironing Hair Until It Looked Fried
Sleek, straight hair was the ultimate goal in the 2000s, and teens would flat-iron their strands daily to get the look. Many skipped heat protection and ended up with dry, brittle hair that barely moved. Some even used clothing irons in desperate attempts to stay on trend. It was a harsh routine that damaged more than just hair. Today’s styles are all about texture, health, and letting hair breathe instead of burning it daily.
9. Wearing Slogan Tees That Were Weirdly Offensive
T-shirts in the 2000s often had bold phrases like “Spoiled Brat” or “Boys Are Dumb,” and teens wore them proudly. At the time, it felt cheeky or funny, but many of those slogans haven’t aged well. Some were rude, others sent harmful messages without much thought. Brands pushed the idea that attitude sold, but now those shirts feel immature or inappropriate. Fashion has shifted toward messages that are more thoughtful and inclusive.
10. Carrying Digital Cameras Everywhere
Before smartphones, teens took digital cameras everywhere, classrooms, malls, sleepovers, you name it. Bathroom mirror selfies, blurry group shots, and flash-heavy pics filled memory cards fast. Everyone wanted to capture the moment, even if the quality was rough. Editing with filters and glitter text made things even more chaotic. Today’s phones make it easy and subtle, making the old camera trend feel bulky and way too extra.
11. Using Orange Self-Tanner With No Blending
In the 2000s, a deep orange glow was seen as a beauty win. Teens would slather on self-tanner without checking for streaks or blending it at the jawline. The result was often patchy, too dark, and painfully obvious. At the time, it felt like a shortcut to looking sun-kissed. Now, it’s a reminder of how far beauty standards have come. Subtle, natural tones are in, and the orange tint is out for good.
12. Belting Everything, Even Things That Didn’t Need Belts
In the 2000s, teens added wide belts to almost every outfit over dresses, shirts, and even cardigans. It didn’t matter if the piece already had shape. Belting it was just the thing to do. Most of the time, the belt didn’t serve a purpose and just sat awkwardly at the waist. Looking back, it feels forced and overly styled. These days, accessories are used to enhance, not overpower, an outfit.
13. Making Duck Face in Every Single Photo
For some reason, puckering your lips into a duck face was the go-to pose in the 2000s. Teens did it in selfies, group shots, and mirror pics like it was a serious modeling move. It was supposed to look cute or flirty, but most photos just came off awkward. Once people started calling it out, the trend faded fast. Now, natural smiles or goofy expressions feel way more genuine in pictures.
14. Wearing Ties as Accessories, Not for Dress Codes
Thanks to pop stars and music videos, teens in the 2000s started wearing neckties with t-shirts, tank tops, and mini skirts. It was meant to look edgy or punk, but the combo rarely made sense. Most weren’t tied properly and had no connection to formalwear. It was a bold style choice that didn’t stick around. Today, ties are back where they belong, paired with suits, not graphic tees.
15. Using Glitter Everywhere, Even in Hair and Lotion
In the 2000s, teens were obsessed with glitter. It showed up in lip gloss, body sprays, lotion, and even hair gel. Going to school or a party meant sparkling from head to toe. While it felt fun and playful, it also got everywhere, on clothes, furniture, and skin for days. What once felt magical now feels messy and overdone. These days, shimmer is used with care, not dumped on like craft supplies.
