Digital innovations have changed the way we live our day-to-day lives over recent decades, and as a result, many of the everyday items that we used to regularly purchase may be disappearing. We’ve compiled a list of 15 familiar items that may be about to become things of the past.
Physical Cash
A rise in mobile apps such as Apple Pay and Google Pay has meant more people are opting for cashless transactions, as they offer convenience and security to consumers. On top of this, governments say that “cash can be used in criminal activities such as money laundering and tax evasion because it is difficult to trace,” according to Investopedia.
Printed Newspapers
Digital media apps and online versions of newspapers have taken over from traditional printed copies. This is partly due to the real-time updates offered by digital reporting and social media, which no longer mean the news is a few hours behind. Consumers are also moving to paperless lives in order to make less of an impact on the environment.
Traditional Cable TV
Streaming platforms such as Netflix, Disney+, and Amazon Prime have completely changed the way that we watch TV and movies at home. The flexibility and competitive pricing that subscription services offer are much more appealing than the costly, year-long contracts of cable TV packages.
Landline Telephones
According to projections by CNN, “There will only be about 5% of landlines remaining by 2030.” This is most likely a result of the widespread use of smartphones, which allow people to use them wherever they are. They also offer much more versatility in communication, with calling, instant messaging, and email all on one device.
Physical Board Games
Board games may still have their place at family Christmas, but some people believe that the growing use of mobile and online gaming will reduce demand for physical board games over the coming years. Virtual versions of these classic games allow flexibility as well as the ability to play with loved ones who are in different parts of the world.
Desktop Computers
In terms of personal computing, laptops, tablets, and smartphones give consumers a much more convenient and flexible option than the traditional desktop. Many businesses are also moving away from desktops as the rise in remote working or shared working spaces makes the portability of a laptop much more appealing.
Printed Magazines
As with other types of media, magazine readers are turning more and more to digital platforms such as websites, apps, and online publications. This has become more popular, as it gives consumers the chance to read content whenever and wherever they are while reducing their use of paper.
Disposable Plastic Water Bottles
With more information about the environmental damage as well as the potentially harmful chemicals in disposable plastic bottles, many consumers are opting for reusable bottles. Greenpeace warns that single-use bottles are a significant issue for the environment, saying, “These bottles take hundreds of years to decompose, releasing harmful chemicals into the environment during their slow breakdown.”
Traditional Mail Correspondence
Digital innovations in communication mean that there is less of a need for postal mail. Most people use instant messaging or social media to communicate personally, and businesses use email or instant messaging too. This means there’s no delay in receiving messages, and there is less of a risk of information going missing.
Printed Calendars
According to a survey reported by the Society for Consumer Psychology, “When making plans, 46.7% of respondents rely most on mobile, 28.3% on paper, and 23.3% on desktop calendars.” Digital calendars are more convenient, as appointments sync across devices and between families, as well as reminding users of events ahead of time.
Physical Books
E-readers mean that more and more people are ditching physical books, especially when it comes to novels. Having your favorite books in a digital format means that people are able to take their whole library on their commute or their travels on just one small device.
Printed Photos
As digital photography has taken over the need for film, many people have reduced the number of photos they print or stopped altogether. Smartphones now have high-quality cameras built in, and cloud storage apps allow you to store thousands of photos in your pocket.
Printed Event Tickets
Many event organizers no longer offer printed tickets, as digital versions are more convenient and secure. They also help to reduce costs for the promoter of the event and minimize the risk of ticket fraud. On top of this, paperless versions help to lower the environmental impact of large events.
Printed Restaurant Menus
As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, many restaurants have switched to digital menus that customers can see on their smartphones. This allows the restaurant to reduce costs, as they no longer have to print menus, and in some cases, they can reduce staff numbers as customers order and pay on the menu app.
Printed Business Cards
Business cards were an important part of networking and connecting with others in the past, but many people now opt for digital versions or simply share contact details with others. This helps businesses reduce costs as well as their environmental impact, and employees no longer have to worry about their cards having out-of-date details.
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