Many Americans are deep-rooted in their traditions and do not appreciate societal change. Alas, society is changing, perhaps more than ever, with environmentalism and technology at the forefront of people’s minds. Here are 18 things that Americans love that are on the brink of being phased out.
Greetings Cards
For years, greeting cards have been sent all year round, whether for birthdays, Christmas, or congratulating someone on a personal achievement. Nowadays, people are opting to send goodwill messages via their mobile phones. Furthermore, with environmentalism becoming mainstream, people are less likely to want to buy paper products.
Cable TV
Many Americans across the country welcomed the arrival of cable TV with open arms, with Brittanica suggesting that almost 80% of American households had cable by the end of the 1990s. However, this number is in permanent decline thanks to the rise of video streaming services. Cable just isn’t worth it anymore!
Fireplaces
The detrimental effect that home fireplaces have on the environment is clear, as plumes of smoke fly high into the atmosphere. This is causing people to ditch their fireplaces for electric, smoke-free, odor-free alternatives in order to do their bit in the fight against climate change. It’s probably for the best!
Using Cash
There’s no getting away from it: Americans love their cash. You just have to see how they flaunt it in music videos and how many bank robbery heist movies have been made in the past decades. However, due to the rise of contactless and mobile payments, cash is quickly being phased out.
Gasoline Cars
The United States has always loved its cars, including classics like the old Model T to the Corvette and the Mustang. However, the era of the gasoline-powered car is undoubtedly coming to an end, with people calling for more electric cars to enter American roads.
Cinemas
No other nation in the world has as much of an affiliation with movies as the United States, but soon, the nation’s beloved movie theaters could be phased out. According to Forbes, fewer people are queuing up to see movies thanks to streaming services and the long-lasting effects of the pandemic.
Airplane Tickets
Scrapbookers will be devastated to learn that paper airplane tickets are being phased out of society. Airlines are beginning to use mobile tickets and QR codes rather than traditional paper tickets for both convenience and environmental purposes. It’s sad to see them go, but undeniably more simple.
The Mall
Not so long ago, the mall was the social hub of every town and city in the States until the rise of the internet. Not only are people transferring to internet shopping, but they are also socializing online, leaving the mall looking rather old-fashioned. They feel like ghost towns now!
Newspapers
Once the thing that kept the whole of the USA up to date and connected, traditional print media is on its last legs. Newspapers are no longer bought daily, with people preferring to find their news online. Let’s be honest; it’s so much easier than struggling with an enormous newspaper!
Zoos
There is a huge moral debate surrounding the benefits and negatives of zoos in modern society. While some argue that they’re important for conservation, others, including the New York Times, believe that animals hate being in zoos, causing them to suffer from boredom and heightened stress. We hope they can find a solution.
Formal Attire
Dressing in a suit and tie used to be commonplace in American society, with most people never leaving the house without looking their very best. In modern times, there is less precedent for what you wear, with formal suits and dresses reserved for very rare occasions. Casual is so much comfier!
Free Parking
Many local governments are slapping charges on once-free parking lots in an attempt to coax people into using public transport in towns and cities. This will hopefully lead to less traffic, noise pollution, and carbon emissions in built-up areas across the United States.
Black Friday Rushes
While nobody wanted to be physically assaulted for the sake of a half-price television, there was always a rush of adrenaline as the shop doors opened on Black Friday morning. However, thanks to online retailers, fewer people are bothering to turn up at stores at ten minutes to midnight on Black Friday Eve.
Paperback Books
As with many historic pastimes, books are also going digital. The convenience and environmental bonuses that ebooks permit are too difficult for many to turn down. Book purists might be right that electronic reading lacks charm, but they’re fighting a losing battle.
Checks
There is something undeniably satisfying about cashing in a check and waiting for the money to be deposited into your bank account. It almost feels like a miniature payday. Checks are most definitely on the decline, though, as mobile bank transfers have taken over. Gen Z looks at checks like it’s alien technology!
Landline Phones
With today’s technological advancements, Americans are opting to use their mobile phone as their sole contact number, ditching landlines altogether. The decline in landlines is backed up by The Washington Post, which states that only 2% of Americans use landlines. We imagine that number will only get lower.
Framed Photos
American homes have historically been adorned with family photos lining the walls, providing some heartwarming decoration. Sadly, it has now become rare for people to actually print off any of the photographs they take on their phones, as it is no longer a necessity like it used to be with film cameras.
Business Cards
Last, but not least, business cards were once an absolute necessity for business networking events, but many now see them as a waste of paper. Contact details are shared on online spaces such as LinkedIn instead, and even personal networking events themselves are becoming less common. Good riddance!