Think about how much public behavior has changed over time. Things people once did without a second thought might now catch attention—especially with phones everywhere ready to record. Some everyday actions from the past would quickly become viral moments if they happened today.
You’ve probably noticed how social norms shift, and what was once normal can feel completely out of place now. This article looks at six examples of public behavior that people used to get away with but would certainly be documented and shared today.
Smoking indoors in restaurants and offices
You might find it strange now, but there was a time when lighting up inside restaurants and offices was totally normal. Smoke filled the air, and no one thought twice about taking a cigarette break during work.
Back then, restaurants even had ashtrays on the tables. The idea of banning indoor smoking didn’t start gaining serious traction until the 1990s. Today, smoking indoors in public places like these is mostly banned to keep the air cleaner and protect everyone’s health.
Spitting on sidewalks
You might not think twice about spitting on the sidewalk today, but it used to be a common habit. Back in the day, people did it openly without much fuss.
Now, spitting in public is often illegal and can get you fined, depending on where you are. It’s seen as disrespectful and unhygienic.
Laws were made to stop spitting outdoors because it spreads germs and is unpleasant for others. So next time, keep your spit to yourself—you’ll save yourself some trouble and keep things cleaner.
Talking loudly on public transit
You know how some people just blast their phone calls on buses or trains like everyone wants to hear? Today, that kind of behavior would almost certainly get recorded and shared online.
It’s not just annoying—it’s one of the most common complaints about public transit etiquette. People notice when someone talks loudly on the phone, often more than two people talking face-to-face.
If you’re that person, it’s easy to forget that others around you might just want some quiet. These days, everyone’s ready to pull out their phone and capture that noise for all to see.
Using public payphones without privacy concerns
When you used to call from a public payphone, your conversations weren’t constantly recorded or tracked like they might be today. There weren’t cameras or apps listening in, so you could talk without worrying about digital privacy.
Of course, anyone nearby could overhear you, but there wasn’t the same risk of your call being stored or shared online. Law enforcement needed a warrant to tap public phones, adding a legal layer of privacy.
Today, your phone habits in public get logged or saved more often. Back then, using a payphone meant your chat was fleeting—and mostly private in a way that’s rare now.
Throwing trash anywhere without a second thought
You used to be able to toss wrappers, cigarette butts, or receipts on the ground without anyone batting an eye. Today, though, this careless habit would probably get caught on someone’s phone and shared online.
Back then, people often assumed someone else would clean it up. Now, you’re more aware that littering harms the environment and costs local governments money.
Plus, you’re more likely to think twice before dropping trash because public bins are common, and there’s more pressure to keep places clean. Even small actions like this get noticed faster these days.
Playing loud music in shared public spaces
You’ve probably seen someone blasting music from their phone in a cafe or on the bus, ignoring everyone around them. It’s one of those things people often did without much thought.
Today, that kind of behavior would almost certainly get recorded and shared online because it’s seen as rude. With affordable headphones everywhere, there’s really no excuse for disturbing others with loud sound.
Playing loud music in public can disrupt people trying to relax, work, or just enjoy a quiet moment. It’s a small change in how we respect shared spaces, but it’s a big deal for those around you.