Life before smartphones had its own rituals, some charming and some a little stressful. This One Gotta Go card brings back four of them: calling your crush's house phone, burning a mixtape CD for someone, using an actual paper map and waiting to develop film to see your photos.
Three of these experiences stay in history, and one is erased. Think about what you miss, what you are glad is gone and what younger people will never understand. Then make your pick and share a story from life before everyone had a phone in their pocket.
The 4 choices on this card
A. Calling your crush's house phone
Calling your crush's house phone meant hoping their parent did not answer and practicing what to say. It was nerve wracking and thrilling. Most people are happy to leave that stress in the past, which makes it a common cut.
Keep it if: You still remember the nervous moment their dad picked up and you had to ask for them by name.
B. Burning a mixtape CD for someone
Burning a mixtape CD for someone took real time and thought, from picking songs to writing the track list. It was a love letter. Playlists are easier now, but some people miss the effort, which makes this one hard to cut.
Keep it if: You made mixes for crushes and friends and think a burned CD meant more than any shared playlist.
C. Using an actual paper map
Using a paper map meant folding it wrong, missing exits and asking for directions at gas stations. It was an adventure. It was also stressful and easy to get lost, which makes it the easiest memory for many people to give up.
Keep it if: You loved planning road trips with a map and think everyone should know how to read one.
D. Waiting to develop film to see your photos
Waiting to develop film meant you did not see your photos for days, and some were blurry or had a thumb in the corner. It made each picture feel precious. Some people love that, while others are glad they can see photos instantly.
Keep it if: You loved the surprise of picking up your prints and still treasure those imperfect photos.
Our take
We would cut using a paper map. It was a skill, but it caused the most stress, while calling a crush, burning a mixtape and waiting for film all came with feelings that still make people smile. The most fun debate usually comes down to mixtapes against film photos, since both are about patience and care. Ask everyone what pre-smartphone habit they secretly miss the most. The answers usually show who still has a box of old photos at home.
How to play this card with friends
- Read the four choices out loud.
- Everyone picks the one they'd eliminate at the same time.
- Explain your pick. This is where the fun starts.
- Use the follow-up questions below to keep it going.
Follow-up questions to keep the debate going
- Which pre-smartphone experience do kids today miss out on?
- Did you ever make a mixtape for someone special?
- Do you still have printed photos from film cameras?
- What pre-smartphone moment would you add to this card?
Want more debates like this? Get the One Gotta Go card game for game night, family dinners and road trips. Shop the decks.
Before Smartphones: quick answers
Why are film cameras popular again?
Many people enjoy film photography for its look, its slower pace and the surprise of seeing photos after they are developed. Disposable and vintage cameras have become popular with younger people who want a break from instant digital photos.
What was a mixtape?
A mixtape was a personal collection of songs recorded onto a cassette or burned onto a CD, often made for a friend or crush. Choosing the order and writing the track list by hand made each one special, and many people still keep the ones they received. Track lists were often decorated by hand.
