12 Staples Facing Extinction Thanks to Millennials

In today’s rapidly changing world, some things we once considered essential are slowly fading away. One generation at the forefront of this transformation is the millennials. Born between the early 1980s and the mid-1990s, this group of individuals has grown up in an era of technological innovation and shifting cultural norms. As a result, they are bringing about significant changes in various aspects of life, from how we communicate to what we value.

1. Landline Phones

12 Staples Facing Extinction Thanks to Millennials — Photo Credit: Depositphotos.

The landline phone, a staple of households for generations, is fading into obscurity with the millennial generation. Millennials grew up in a digital age, where smartphones and other mobile devices have become the primary means of communication. Landlines, with their limitations and lack of mobility, have lost their relevance. Many millennials have ditched their landline phones in favor of smartphones and internet-based communication apps, making it increasingly unlikely that this once-ubiquitous device will survive beyond their generation.

2. Traditional Cable Television

Millennials are cutting the cord when it comes to traditional cable television. With the rise of streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video, millennials have found more affordable and convenient ways to access their favorite shows and movies. The days of flipping through cable channels and enduring endless commercials are becoming a distant memory, as millennials embrace on-demand, ad-free streaming platforms.

3. Print Newspapers

The print newspaper industry is facing a grim future, largely due to the digital preferences of millennials. With the advent of online news sources and social media platforms, millennials are more likely to get their news updates from websites and apps rather than turning the pages of a physical newspaper. The convenience, immediacy, and interactive nature of digital news make it highly unlikely that print newspapers will survive the millennial era.

4. Fax Machines

Fax machines, once an essential tool in offices around the world, are on the brink of extinction. Millennials have grown up in a world of email, instant messaging, and cloud storage, making faxing documents seem like an outdated and cumbersome process. As the workforce becomes increasingly tech-savvy, fax machines are slowly but surely becoming relics of the past, with few millennials even knowing how to operate them.

5. Traditional Chain Restaurants

The dining preferences of millennials are reshaping the restaurant industry. Many millennials are drawn to smaller, locally-owned eateries that offer unique and artisanal dining experiences. This shift in preferences is putting pressure on traditional chain restaurants, which often offer standardized menus and predictable dining experiences. As millennials continue to prioritize authenticity and diversity in their culinary adventures, traditional chain restaurants may struggle to stay relevant in the years to come.

6. Print Encyclopedias

Encyclopedias used to be a staple in households, providing a wealth of knowledge on various topics. However, with the internet and the accessibility of information at our fingertips, print encyclopedias are becoming obsolete. Millennials are more likely to turn to search engines like Google or online encyclopedias like Wikipedia for quick and up-to-date information. The days of flipping through heavy volumes of encyclopedias are fading away as millennials embrace the digital age of information.

7. CDs and DVDs

Millennials have witnessed the rapid evolution of music and movie consumption. CDs and DVDs, once cherished formats for music and movies, are now facing obsolescence. Streaming services, such as Spotify and Netflix, offer instant access to vast libraries of content, eliminating the need for physical discs. With the convenience of streaming and the decline of physical media players, it’s unlikely that CDs and DVDs will have a place in the future of entertainment.

8. Printed Photos Albums

The days of meticulously arranging printed photographs into albums are fading away with the millennial generation. With the advent of smartphones and digital cameras, millennials are more likely to store their memories electronically, in the form of digital photo albums and social media posts. The tangible photo albums that previous generations cherished are becoming relics of the past, as millennials opt for the convenience and accessibility of digital photos.

9. Printed Maps

Millennials are navigating the world with the help of GPS and smartphone map apps, rendering printed maps obsolete. The days of unfolding a physical map and trying to pinpoint one’s location are long gone, as millennials rely on real-time, turn-by-turn directions provided by their devices. Printed maps, once a staple for road trips and adventures, are now collecting dust on forgotten shelves.

10. Landline Phone Directories

The thick phone directories that used to sit by landline phones in households across the world are facing extinction. Millennials rarely use landlines, and when they do, they prefer to search for phone numbers online or in digital directories. The cumbersome and outdated landline phone directories are gradually disappearing from homes, as millennials opt for more efficient ways to find contact information.

11. Handwritten Letters

The art of writing handwritten letters is slowly fading with millennials, who are more inclined to send digital messages and emails. While previous generations cherished the personal touch of a handwritten note, millennials have embraced the convenience and speed of electronic communication. As a result, the tradition of penning heartfelt letters on paper is becoming less common with each passing year.

12. Physical Photo Albums

Similar to printed photo albums, physical photo albums that are created for special occasions like weddings and vacations are becoming less prevalent among millennials. Instead, they opt to create digital photo albums or share photos on social media platforms. The convenience of digital storage and the ability to instantly share memories with friends and family make physical photo albums a fading relic of the past.