The world is constantly changing, and the way we do everyday things is no exception. This list explores 13 everyday things that are becoming less common, thanks to technology and a shift in how we live our lives. From renting movies to keeping track of appointments, get ready to see how some of the things we used to consider essential are slowly fading away. Featured Image Credit: HayDmitriy /Depositphotos.com.
Brick-and-Mortar Travel Agencies
Planning a vacation used to involve poring over brochures and visiting travel agencies. Brick-and-mortar travel agencies, while still offering a personalized touch, are facing competition from online booking platforms and travel apps. These online tools empower us to research destinations, compare prices, and book flights and hotels all from the comfort of our own homes.
Phonebooks
Who needs a hefty phone book the size of a dictionary anymore? Finding a phone number is now as easy as a few taps on your smartphone. Online directories have revolutionized the way we look up contacts. No more struggling to decipher tiny print or flipping through endless pages. With a quick search, you can find any number you need, all at the convenience of your fingertips.
Checks
Scribbling out your name on a check might soon be a memory. Paying bills electronically is becoming the norm, thanks to its speed and convenience. Gone are the days of hunting down stamps and envelopes or waiting in line at the bank. With a few clicks on your computer or phone, you can pay your bills instantly and securely. This not only saves time and effort, but also reduces the risk of lost or stolen checks.
Physical Maps
Remember those days spent meticulously folding a map, trying to decipher its cryptic symbols and navigate unfamiliar streets? Folding maps, once an essential travel companion, are being outsmarted by the intuitive guidance of GPS navigation systems. With a GPS in your hand (or on your phone), you have a reliable voice assistant guiding you every step of the way, making even the most complex journeys a breeze.
Sitting Through Commercials
Do you ever find yourself fast-forwarding through commercials during your favorite shows? The relentless barrage of commercials that used to be an unavoidable part of watching TV is on the decline. Streaming services are offering viewers more control over their experience, with ad-free tiers or the ability to skip commercials entirely. This allows us to watch our shows uninterrupted, without the constant interruption of advertisements.
Formal Dining Etiquette
Gone are the days when a fancy table setting with specific utensils for every course was the norm. Formal dining etiquette, with its intricate choreography of forks and knives, is giving way to a more relaxed approach to mealtimes. Casual dining and fast-casual options are becoming increasingly popular, offering a more laid-back atmosphere where comfort takes precedence over formality. Whether it’s grabbing a burger with friends or enjoying a family dinner at home, the emphasis is now on creating a social and enjoyable dining experience.
Owning Physical Media (CDs, DVDs)
Owning a whole shelf dedicated to CDs and DVDs already seems quaint. Streaming services and digital downloads have revolutionized the way we access music and movies. With streaming services, we have a vast library of content at our fingertips, allowing us to listen to our favorite songs or watch the latest films instantly.
Traditional Mail
Remember the mailbox overflowing with envelopes and bills? Traditional mail, once a crucial part of communication, is slowly being replaced by the efficiency of digital communication. With online bill pay and the widespread use of email, the need for physical mail is diminishing. This not only saves on paper and reduces clutter, but also allows for faster and more secure communication.
Handwritten Grocery Lists
Grocery shopping used to involve scribbling down items on a cluttered piece of paper. Handwritten grocery lists are being replaced by the convenience of digital grocery lists. With smartphones and smart speakers, we can easily add items to our lists throughout the week, ensuring we never forget anything at the store. These digital lists can also be shared with family members, making grocery shopping a more collaborative and efficient task.
Wall Calendars
Wall calendars filled with scribbled reminders might soon be a thing of the past. Digital calendars on smartphones and computers allow for easy scheduling, syncing across devices, and setting up alerts to ensure you never miss an important appointment again.
Carrying Cash Everywhere
Cash is becoming less and less common, thanks to the rise of contactless payments. With debit cards, credit cards, and mobile wallets, we can tap and pay for almost anything, ditching the hassle of carrying around wads of cash and worrying about lost or stolen bills.
Downloading Music One Song at a Time
Filling up your MP3 player with individual songs is becoming a distant memory. Streaming services offer access to millions of songs for a monthly fee, allowing you to listen to anything you want, anytime, without filling up your device’s storage.
Landline Phones
Remember those long phone cords that snaked across the room, tripping you up whenever you walked by? Landline phones, once a central part of every household, are becoming a thing of the past. With cell phones constantly in our hands, the bulky landline has become an obsolete relic. Gone are the days of waiting by the phone for a call or rushing to answer before it stops ringing.
Disclaimer – This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
Like our content? Be sure to follow us.
Read More From Million Dollar Sense
