The past year has seen a drastic rise in the use of digital technology and services, especially due to the Covid-19 pandemic. As we begin to approach normality and the world becomes more open to the idea of having everything digital (the way it really should be), now is the time to do away with some of the burdensome regularities of our society today.
So here’s my list of some of the things that could really stop being a thing now:
1. Pens
Personally, one of the most annoying things for me going out is being required to use a pen. In a time when we have smartphones, smartwatches, tablets, laptops — even smart sunglasses — who would really be walking around with a pen? Yeah, I know you weirdos are out there. Get with the times. Use that note app. Figure out how to use Adobe Sign. Let’s be realistic: paper is easy to lose and ink finishes/dries out.
2. Printers
Ok for this one, I completely understand for businesses but what about the average person at home? That shouldn’t be a thing. Most applications are all digital now, companies don’t let you hand in CVs at their front desk anymore, assignments are submitted online, so what’s the excuse? Save the trees and all that money you waste on ink refills. You don’t need that printer.
3. Keys
You get home from a long day at work, reach your front door, and there you are — standing in the cold, wet weather fumbling for the right key. Let’s not even mention the awkwardness of where to store them, especially for those of us who don’t use handbags. With things like digital and biometric locks and Alexa out there, do we really need to be spending quids at the locksmith these days replacing those keys we’ve lost for the fourth time now?
4. Passports
Yes, we do need passports. Everyone should have one. But do they really need to be physical in 2021? Something about walking around with a book collecting stamps and waving as ID just feels a tad bit archaic. Make it digital or roll out the biometric database. I know there are people out there tired of running late for flights all because they had to turn back for that little book. Or how about paying the full fee because your facial features changed up a little and you have to get a whole new passport just to update your picture? Are you tired now? I am.
5. Cash
The pandemic has played a well-needed role of realising just how much we don’t need this in society today. First of all, there’s the amount of germs transmitted because of it, it gets lost or stolen quite easily, it adds to the need for a wallet (another contender for this list) in your pockets, and in some countries it just feels weird (though great for strip clubs). These among many other problems exist with having physical cash. Thankfully, we are making the steps towards a cashless society so soon it will stop being a thing.
6. Wired Earphones
Seriously, what imp is even in our pockets tangling these guys? By the time you finish detangling, you’ve already reached your stop. A lot of wires in general could really just stop being a thing but these ones more desperately. Stop punishing yourself. Get those true wireless earbuds or even AirPods.
7. Umbrell… okay, I’m actually done. These are a few of things I believe could really stop being a thing. However, that’s just my own ridiculous-but-not-really-that ridiculous-when-you-think-about-it opinion and not to be taken too seriously (it actually should be). Let me know in the comments if there’s anything you believe need to go too. Thanks for reading!
