Past innovations that were once commonplace in every home, modern society, and technological advancement are seeing iconic items, places, and services being wiped from existence. Here are 17 things that are loved throughout America but risk being phased out in the coming years.
Cash Transactions
The rise of digital payment platforms and contactless payments has led to a decrease in cash transactions. The Hill reported that “two-fifths of Americans used no cash in 2022. Back in 2015, by contrast, fewer than one-quarter of consumers went cashless.” This has led to a decreasing number of businesses accepting cash.
Traditional Cable TV
The increasing costs of cable subscriptions have led to consumers switching to streaming service subscriptions for their movie and TV entertainment. Streaming services offer customers a cheaper, more flexible approach to entertainment, and live television has seen a decrease in viewers since the rise of on-demand content.
Gasoline-Powered Cars
Increased environmental awareness has led to a consumer shift toward electric vehicles as a way to live more sustainably, save money on expensive gas, and also as somewhat of a status symbol. There has also been a range of government incentives for those buying EVs in an attempt to reduce the use of fossil fuels.
Physical Retail Stores
Retail stores have seen a decrease in shoppers, particularly since the post-pandemic boom in online shopping. According to Vox, “Amazon led a boom in online shopping, and many brands that once relied on department stores began selling directly to customers online and in their own stores.”
Landline Telephones
The widespread adoption of smartphones has led to a decline in the usage of landline phones, and younger generations are being noted for not adopting landlines at all. Instead, telecommunications companies are focusing more on mobile and internet services.
Free Parking
In a bid to reduce emissions and congestion within urban areas, developers of towns and cities are looking to reduce car dependency and promote the use of public transportation. This has led to a rise in paid parking to put off consumers as well as fund city services.
Black Friday Shopping in Stores
Black Friday was once famed for scenes of people fighting over televisions in large stores, but the increase in online shopping has largely turned this shopping event into a digital affair. Customers also favor the convenience of shopping from their own homes and avoiding crowds.
Paperback Books
As e-readers have become affordable and accessible for most consumers, there is potential for a decline in the number of paperback books that will be produced. On top of the convenience of digital alternatives, they are also seen as more environmentally friendly.
Full-Service Gas Stations
Full-service gas stations have a feel of nostalgia, but most of America has switched to self-service alternatives for a more cost-effective offering that most consumers prefer. Hugely declining over the last decades, these stations could face a complete wipeout over the coming years.
Charcoal Grills
Charcoal grills give consumers that traditional, smoky flavor and a grilling experience like no other, but propane and electric alternatives are on the rise due to the convenience and cost benefits they offer. On top of this, environmental and health concerns surrounding charcoal have led to more and more Americans opting for modern alternatives.
Zoos
Despite their educational and recreational value, rising ethical concerns are causing debates around the future of zoos. According to National Geographic, “Many zoos… run captive breeding programs for endangered species. However, critics say this doesn’t justify their existence,” since only 15% of zoos’ species are considered threatened.
Photo Albums
Physical photo albums bring a feeling of sentimentality and the joy of flipping through memories, but as digital photography means most consumers take thousands of photos per year, the printing of photos has declined. Instead, Americans are opting for digital storage and sharing platforms, and photos rarely leave modern devices.
Bowling Alleys
Changing social habits might spell the end of the nostalgic appeal of the bowling alley. Once a hub for community and evening entertainment, bowling alleys need to evolve to offer a more diverse entertainment option to avoid becoming too niche.
Shopping Malls
Business Insider reported that research in 2020 predicted that “25% of the country’s approximately 1,000 malls would close shop in the following 3–5 years.” Once a community hub and somewhat of a leisure destination in American culture, e-commerce stores and changes in retail habits have seen a decline in traditional malls.
Radio Shows
Podcasts and music streaming services are offering consumers on-demand content that might pave the way for the end of live radio shows. Playing a role in entertainment and broadcasting information, radio shows are an iconic form of media that consumers are using less and less.
Business Cards
Somewhat of a ritual in business meetings and professional exchanges, sharing business cards enabled in-person networking and sales. The rise of digital networking tools and forms of communication, however, has seen this practice decline in recent years.
Answering Machines
Once a sign of status, showing you couldn’t risk missing important phone calls, answering machines have been largely replaced with integrated voicemail services and digital communication. With customers preferring to email or use an instant messaging service, these innovations of the past might well disappear from our homes.
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