The internet has changed the way we live, work, and connect, but it’s also made many things irrelevant. Things that were once parts of our everyday lives can now seem outdated or unnecessary, thanks to the convenience and speed of digital alternatives.
Here are some notable things the internet is making obsolete faster than anyone could have imagined.
Physical Maps
Remember unfolding a giant map to figure out where you were going? Those days are long gone, thanks to GPS apps and online navigation tools. Digital maps make it easy to get directions in seconds, regardless of whether you’re driving across the country or exploring a new city.
They even update in real time to account for traffic and road closures. Physical maps now feel like relics of a bygone era.
Phone Books
The hefty yellow pages that used to land with a thud on the nation’s doorsteps are shrinking fast and will soon disappear altogether. With search engines and online directories at our fingertips, finding a business or service is just a few clicks away.
Phone books are now seen as wasteful and outdated because the internet’s ability to provide instant, updated information has rendered these printed directories nearly useless.
DVDs and Blu-rays
The need for physical media like DVDs and Blu-rays has been all but killed off by streaming platforms like Netflix, Hulu, and Disney+. They offer instant access to movies and TV shows, eliminating the hassle of buying or renting discs. Even die-hard collectors are finding it harder to justify physical copies when digital options are so convenient.
Printed Newspapers
The internet has completely transformed how we consume news. With websites, apps, and social media delivering updates in real time, printed newspapers are struggling to stay afloat. Many people now get their headlines from digital sources, often for free, making it harder for traditional newspapers to compete.
Photo Albums
The days of carefully arranging photos into albums have been replaced by digital storage and sharing. Cloud services, social media, and photo apps make it easy to store thousands of pictures and share them instantly with friends and family.
Travel Agencies
The rise of online booking platforms has made traditional travel agencies nearly obsolete. Websites like Expedia, Kayak, and Airbnb allow travelers to plan their own trips with ease, comparing prices and options at their leisure. Some agencies still cater to luxury or specialized travel, but the average person no longer needs to rely on a professional to book flights, hotels, or rental cars.
Handwritten Letters
Email, texting, and social media have made handwritten letters a rarity. While writing a letter was once a common way to communicate, the speed and convenience of digital messages have all but replaced it.
People can now stay in touch instantly, no matter where they are in the world. Handwritten letters have largely been overshadowed by faster, easier forms of communication.
CDs
Like DVDs, CDs are being replaced by digital and streaming alternatives. Music platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube allow users to access millions of songs without needing physical discs. With the ability to create personal playlists and discover new artists instantly, CDs have become outdated for most listeners.
Reference Books
Encyclopedias, dictionaries, and other reference books are no longer household staples, thanks to the internet. Search engines and online resources like Wikipedia provide instant answers to almost any question, rendering these heavy books unnecessary. Digital tools are also updated in real time, making them far more reliable than static print versions.
Cable TV
Streaming services have revolutionized how people watch TV, making traditional cable subscriptions less appealing. Platforms like Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime offer on-demand content without the need for clunky cable boxes or fixed schedules. More people are switching to streaming for its flexibility and cost savings.
Cable TV, once a household essential, is fast losing its audience to internet-based entertainment.
Fax Machines
Who owns a fax machine any more? They were a staple in offices in the 1980s and 90s, but they’ve become an endangered species. Email, cloud services, and e-signature tools make sending and receiving documents faster and more efficient. Some industries still use faxing for specific purposes, but most businesses are phasing them out entirely, relying on more modern communication methods instead.
Printed Magazines
Just like newspapers, printed magazines are struggling to survive in the digital era. Online content is more accessible, often free, and updated frequently, making print editions feel outdated. Many magazines have transitioned to digital-only formats, offering apps and websites to reach readers.
Niche publications may still find an audience, but the days of glossy magazines dominating waiting rooms and coffee tables are numbered.
Landlines
The internet has changed how we communicate, and landline phones are quickly becoming unnecessary. With mobile phones, video calls, and internet-based communication tools, the need for a landline is fading. Many households have ditched them altogether, opting to rely solely on their smartphones.
Libraries
The traditional role of libraries as a place to borrow physical books is fading. E-books, online research tools, and digital archives mean people can access information without leaving their homes. While libraries are adapting to include more digital services and community programs, the need for physical locations and printed materials is shrinking.
Checks
The use of paper checks is declining as digital payment methods become the norm. Apps like Venmo, PayPal, and Zelle make it easy to send and receive money instantly, while credit and debit cards handle most in-person transactions. Writing a check feels outdated and slow compared to the convenience of online banking.
Many businesses no longer accept checks, further pushing this once-common payment method toward extinction.
Blockbuster-Style Video Rental Stores
Another victim of the success of streaming services is the physical video rental store. With instant access to movies and TV shows online, renting DVDs or VHS tapes feels like a relic of the past. Once iconic, stores like Blockbuster have closed their doors, unable to compete with the convenience of streaming.
Paper Bills and Statements
The shift to paperless billing is making traditional mailed bills and statements obsolete. Online portals and email notifications allow people to manage their finances digitally, reducing waste and speeding up the process. Many companies now encourage or require customers to go paperless, offering incentives for doing so.