Imagine the things you use every day disappearing in the next 10 years. Technology and habits are changing fast, and what’s familiar now might soon be history. This comprehensive guide will explore 16 things that will become obsolete in the next decade.

Shopping Malls

pexels

Shopping malls, once online shopping giants, pressure the go-to for weekend family outings and teenage hangouts. Why wander in a mall when everything you need is a click away? Plus, anchor stores that malls relied on are disappearing fast. The hustle of Black Friday isn’t enough to keep them afloat year-round. Coffeehouses are the new social hubs, offering a cozy spot to catch up with friends or dive into a book.

Pay Phones

pexels

Spotting a pay phone has become an “I spy” game in the modern cityscape. With smartphones in every pocket, the need for pay phones has plummeted. Those remaining serve more as nostalgic artifacts than practical communication tools. Ever wonder about Superman’s changing room? Those iconic phone booth changes weren’t as common as we thought.

Calculators

pexels

Gone are the days of carrying a calculator for quick math help. Smartphones have seamlessly taken over this role, offering many apps for all calculation needs. Even smart speakers are getting in on the action, ready to solve complex equations with a voice command. This shift means that physical calculators are now more of a novelty than a necessity. It’s all about convenience and multitasking in today’s digital age.

Paper Maps

pexels

Remember unfolding a giant map and trying to locate your current position? Those days are dwindling thanks to GPS and digital maps. Today’s navigation tools pinpoint your location and update routes in real time. However, there’s still something romantic about tracing a finger along a paper map during a road trip. It’s a tactile experience that digital maps can’t fully replicate.

Print Catalogs

pexels

The thick, glossy catalogs that once heralded the holiday shopping season are becoming rare finds. With the internet serving as an endless catalog, physical versions seem cumbersome and wasteful. Kids now turn to websites and apps for their holiday wish lists, bypassing the mailbox for the inbox. Though some may miss the excitement of flipping through pages, the convenience of online shopping is undeniable. Yet, in some households, catalogs still find a second life as door stops or craft supplies.

Business Cards

flickr

The ritual exchange of business cards is fading from professional encounters. The paper card feels somewhat archaic in an age where digital profiles can be shared with a click. This shift towards digital information exchange ensures that contacts are always at your fingertips and easily updated. While there’s a certain charm to tangible business cards, the efficiency of digital networking can’t be ignored. It’s about keeping pace with how we communicate and connect today.

Parking Meters

flickr

The classic coin-fed parking meter is becoming a rarity in city streets. Modern solutions involve apps that allow for digital payments and even remind you when your time is running out. This transition reduces the hassle of finding spare change and streamlines the parking process. For those less familiar with smartphone technology, this shift may seem daunting. Yet, it’s a clear step toward making everyday tasks more convenient and efficient.

College Textbooks

pexels

The hefty price tag and physical burden of college textbooks are becoming things of the past. Digital textbooks are taking over, offering a lighter load and a more interactive learning experience. These online versions can be updated easily, ensuring that content stays current. They also offer functionalities like instant definitions and embedded videos. It’s a win-win: students get the latest information without the backache.

Classroom Chalkboards

pexels

Chalkboards, with their dusty charm and screeching chalk, are being replaced by their cleaner, more advanced cousins: whiteboards and smartboards. These new surfaces allow for dynamic teaching methods and can easily integrate with digital resources. The days of clapping erasers outside are nearly gone, marking the end of an era. This evolution in classroom tools reflects broader changes in education, where interactivity and technology take centre stage.

Mail-Collection Boxes

pexels

The sight of blue U.S. Postal Service boxes is becoming less common as digital communication dominates. The need for traditional mail has decreased, with emails and texts delivering instant messages. Once a neighborhood staple, these collection boxes are now a reminder of a slower-paced world. While some may mourn their loss, it’s hard to deny the efficiency of instant communication. The decline in their numbers is a sign of the times, reflecting our ever-accelerating pace of life.

In-Person Voting

pexels

Voting in person, with its communal sense of civic duty, faces challenges from long lines to identification issues. Enter the convenience of mail-in voting, a system gaining traction across several states. This method allows voters to deliberate over their choices from the comfort of their homes, reducing the stress and rush of polling day. While some skepticism remains, the trend suggests that the future of voting might lean heavily towards mail-in ballots. It’s a change that prioritizes accessibility and convenience, reflecting broader societal shifts towards flexible, user-friendly processes.

Checks

pexels

The scene of someone painstakingly writing a check at a checkout line is becoming a relic. Digital payments, from cards to mobile apps, offer a faster, more secure transaction method. With their manual entry and reconciliation, checks can’t compete with the simplicity of a swipe or tap. This shift isn’t just about convenience; it’s about evolving with technology to make everyday transactions smoother. While checks might hold sentimental value for some, their practicality is waning in the digital age.

Fax Machines

Wikimedia Commons

Fax machines, once a staple in business communication, are being edged out by digital document sharing. The need for a dedicated fax machine is diminishing as multifunction printers offer fax capabilities alongside scanning and printing. This convergence of technology streamlines office equipment, reflecting a broader trend towards multipurpose devices. In an era where efficiency and integration are essential, the standalone fax machine’s days are numbered. It’s a shift towards embracing technology that simplifies tasks and saves space.

Portable Music Players

pexels

The introduction of the iPod revolutionized portable music, but smartphones have since taken up the mantle. With a phone capable of playing music, podcasts, and audiobooks, carrying a separate music player feels redundant. This convergence of functions into a single device is a testament to the smartphone’s versatility. It’s about reducing clutter in our lives and embracing technology’s multifunctionality. As we bid farewell to standalone music players, we celebrate the convenience of having everything in one place.

Print Magazines

pexels

With their glossy pages and tactile appeal, print magazines face a tough battle against digital media. Many publications are either ceasing print operations or shifting towards digital platforms. The desire for instant access to content and the environmental impact of print production drives this change. While there’s a nostalgic charm to print, the digital age offers interactive and updated content at our fingertips. It’s a transition that reflects changing consumer preferences and the push for sustainability.

Headphones with Cords

pexels

Corded headphones are giving way to the freedom of wireless technology. The inconvenience of tangled cords and restricted movement is prompting a shift towards Bluetooth-enabled listening. This move towards wireless headphones is about more than convenience; it’s about embracing advancements that enhance our daily lives. While corded headphones may still have their place, the trend is clear: the future is wireless. It’s a change that speaks to our desire for ease, mobility, and the seamless integration of technology into every aspect of our lives.

Andy Ford