As society rapidly evolves, certain items and practices become relics of the past, giving way to more efficient, innovative technologies and behaviors. From physical media like DVDs to outdated business tools such as fax machines, the landscape of our daily lives is shifting dramatically.
Here, we explore the most common items that are poised to disappear from our society in the next decade, illustrating the impact of technological advancements and changing consumer preferences. Understanding these shifts can help us anticipate and adapt to the future, ensuring we’re not left clinging to the vestiges of a bygone era.
Physical Credit Cards
As digital payments become more ubiquitous, physical credit cards are on their way out. Smartphone payment systems and virtual wallets are already replacing the need to carry a physical card. By the end of the decade, most transactions will likely be conducted via mobile devices, making plastic cards redundant.
Cash Transactions
The trend towards a cashless society has been accelerated by the convenience of digital transactions and heightened by hygiene concerns during the COVID-19 pandemic. More businesses are moving towards electronic payment methods exclusively. In the next ten years, cash might become a rare sight in daily commerce.
Traditional Cable TV
Streaming services are rapidly displacing traditional cable television, with consumers preferring to choose what to watch and when; without the constraints of a broadcast schedule, cable companies are losing subscribers quickly. It’s expected that the next decade will see the end of traditional cable TV as a standard household service.
Physical Newspapers
The decline of print media has been notable as more readers turn to digital platforms for their news. Physical newspapers are struggling to compete with the instant access and lower cost of online publications. Within ten years, the daily print newspaper might be a collector’s item rather than a morning routine.
Internal Combustion Engines
With global shifts toward sustainability and green energy, the internal combustion engine is expected to become obsolete. Electric vehicles are becoming more affordable and efficient, and many countries are planning to ban the sale of new petrol and diesel cars. The next decade could see the end of traditional gas-powered vehicles on a mass scale.
Public Payphones
Once a staple in every city, public payphones are rapidly disappearing. The ubiquity of mobile phones has rendered these once-crucial communication points nearly useless. It’s likely they will be completely phased out within the next decade, existing only in museums.
Plastic Shopping Bags
Due to increasing environmental awareness and legislation aimed at reducing plastic waste, plastic shopping bags are becoming obsolete. Many regions have already implemented bans or taxes on plastic bags to encourage more sustainable alternatives. This trend is expected to continue globally, leading to their disappearance.
Incandescent Light Bulbs
Incandescent light bulbs are inefficient compared to LED and fluorescent bulbs, which use less energy and last longer. With energy conservation efforts and environmental regulations tightening, the production and sale of incandescent bulbs are decreasing. They are likely to vanish from the market entirely in the next decade.
Wired Phone Chargers
The future is wireless, and phone charging is no exception. Wireless charging technology is improving, and its adoption is growing. In ten years, wired phone chargers may become obsolete as more devices adopt wireless charging standards.
Passwords
The frustration with remembering an array of passwords is driving the development of more secure and convenient forms of authentication. Technologies like biometrics, facial recognition, and voice identification are becoming more prevalent. Passwords could be replaced completely within the next decade by these more secure alternatives.
Manual Driving
Autonomous vehicles are advancing rapidly, suggesting that the days of manual driving are numbered. Safety improvements and efficiencies in traffic management are likely to push society towards fully autonomous transportation. By 2030, manual driving could be more of a hobby than a necessity.
Keys
Physical keys are becoming obsolete as digital locks and smart-home technology become more prevalent. From cars to homes, access is increasingly governed by digital means, whether through apps or voice commands. Physical keys might soon be replaced entirely by digital solutions.
Standalone GPS Devices
The integration of advanced GPS functionality into smartphones and cars has led to a decline in the use of standalone GPS devices. As mobile technology continues to improve, these devices are becoming unnecessary. They’re likely to disappear from consumer use in the next decade.
DVD and Blu-ray Players
As streaming services and digital downloads become the norm for watching movies and TV shows, physical media players are becoming less relevant. The convenience and selection available online are factors that contribute to the decline of DVD and Blu-ray players, which are likely to vanish from most households soon.
Landline Telephones
With the increasing reliance on mobile phones for communication, the traditional landline telephone is becoming obsolete. Many homes no longer install them, and businesses are switching to VoIP systems. The landline telephone is expected to disappear entirely within the next decade.
Fax Machines
Once essential for business communications, fax machines have become outdated. Email and other digital communication methods are faster, more efficient, and more secure. In the next ten years, fax machines will likely disappear completely from the office.
Library Checkout Cards
Digital cataloging and automated checkouts are replacing the old system of library cards and manual checkouts. Libraries are adopting technology that speeds up the borrowing process and provides more information about borrowing habits. Traditional checkout cards will likely be phased out completely.
Compact Discs
The rise of streaming music services has drastically reduced the demand for physical CDs. Digital formats offer convenience and a smaller environmental footprint. Within a decade, CDs could become a niche market for collectors rather than a mainstream medium.
3D Glasses in Cinemas
The novelty of 3D movies has worn off for many consumers, and the demand for 3D screenings is declining. Movie studios and theaters are increasingly abandoning this format due to the extra cost and the lukewarm reception from audiences. 3D glasses are expected to disappear from most cinemas.
Analog Watches
As smartwatches continue to gain in functionality and popularity, traditional analog watches are becoming less common. While some may retain them as fashion statements or luxury items, everyday use is shifting towards smart devices that offer more than just timekeeping. The practical necessity of analog watches is diminishing.
Checkbooks
Digital banking and online payments are replacing the need for writing checks. Fewer stores accept checks, and electronic transactions are often safer and quicker. The use of checkbooks is declining rapidly and might disappear entirely as financial transactions become fully digital.
