The last decade has seen massive changes in technology and our lives. However, with change comes loss. Here are 14 things on their way out.
Ownership
Lots of products and services are moving to subscription models. We no longer own games, music, car features, or software. Homeownership is shifting out of reach for the masses. What other industries will see ways to make more money by shifting from ownership?
Words and Labels
The new Microsoft Office design replaces words like “copy” and “rename” with weird symbols, making navigating harder for people. But they’re not the only ones; most software companies opt for a “minimalistic approach” because it seems cooler.
Cool Logos
Companies used to make really cool, 3D logos to appeal to a hip, modern crowd. Minimalism is in; graphic design is out.
Genuine Product Reviews
Why give your honest opinion about a product when you can make money with a glowing review? Affiliate marketing changed the product review game. People don’t always share honest opinions because they’re more interested in making a buck.
Magazine Shops
There used to be shops dedicated to obscure and niche magazines. While most bookstores still have a magazine section, you’ll rarely see a store dedicated to them.
Payphones
With most people having a cell phone, public pay phones have disappeared. Think about the last time you saw one.
Ringtones
When cell phones emerged, everyone rushed to download fun ringtones to show off their fabulous personalities. We collectively decided that any ringing phone is annoying and all keep our phones on silent.
Good Google Results
Google reigned supreme as the king of search for decades. However, as scammers learned to game the system, Google struggled to keep up. The changes meant to improve search results often did the opposite, making it harder and harder for people to find what they want.
Decent, Affordable Clothes
The fast fashion industry assumes you’ll toss everything out after the season, so why would they bother making clothes that last? Getting a decent shirt that won’t unravel after a few washes is tough.
Third Spaces
Third spaces are community places where people congregate. People used to have work, home, and a fun third place, allowing them to mingle with community members and make friends. Now, people only have work and home.
Frozen Yogurt
Frozen yogurt had its day in the sun. Now, people have moved on to the newest food trend. Many frozen yogurt shops were replaced with boba shops.
Privacy
We all happily gave up our privacy for the fun and convenience of mobile phone apps. We give our data to nameless companies and agree to any terms and conditions they throw in our faces.
Physical Copies
The shift to digital media means people no longer buy physical copies of movies, games, and music. Everything is online. We’ll all be really bored if the internet goes out.
Insects
Twenty years ago, the night would light up with fireflies. We’d watch the dragonflies dance on the river, and the bees float from flower to flower.
We may enjoy a world with fewer mosquitos, but the slow disappearance of insects portends a disaster up ahead.
Things from the 90s We Miss
Nineties kids will remember these fun trends from the last great decade.
The best things about the 1990s.