If it works well, why bother replacing it? In the Digital Age, many of us are used to constant innovation and progress. But just because something is newer doesn’t automatically make it ‘better.’ In fact, many folks from different generations prefer certain older or analog inventions and technologies to newfangled MacGuffins. (Who needs smart locks, fridges, and toasters anyway?)
Inspired by internet user u/Tall_Mickey, the members of the r/AskOldPeople online community opened up about the seemingly ‘obsolete’ and old-school things that they’re glad are still around. Scroll down to see what they had to share, from physical maps to stick shifts and beyond. It’s a blast from the past and a reminder that it’s not all digital, even in this day and age!
Bored Panda reached out to marketing psychology speaker Matt Johnson, Ph.D., the host of the branding and human nature blogs, to hear his thoughts on the topic. From his perspective, there will always be a niche for analog technology because of the experience it offers. We also got in touch with the author of the captivating online discussion, redditor u/Tall_Mickey, who shared their perspective on the pros of older devices, as well as why search engines are actually a great invention. Be sure not to miss both of our interviews below!
#1
Printed books. We stare at screens too much already.
Image credits: Ok-Abbreviations9212
According to marketing psychology speaker Johnson, it's a common assumption that newer technologies are inherently better than older ones due to the allure of progress and innovation. "This belief often stems from the perception that technological advancements solve previous limitations and improve efficiency, convenience, and connectivity," he explained to Bored Panda.
However, he noted that consumers don't always come to this idea on their own. "Marketing plays a huge role, painting the latest gadgets as must-haves for a modern lifestyle. Additionally, there’s a cultural bias towards the new and novel, equating modernity with superiority. However, this mindset overlooks the fact that some older inventions possess qualities that newer ones can’t replicate. They often offer simplicity, durability, and a tactile experience that digital counterparts lack."
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Because analog tools offer tactile and immersive experiences that their digital counterparts can't easily replicate, there will always be a niche market for analog tech. "Jotting down notes with a fountain pen or navigating with a paper map engages our senses and memory in unique ways. Physical wall calendars provide a quick visual overview that many find more intuitive than a digital screen. Moreover, stick shifts give drivers a sense of control and connection with their vehicle that's often lost in automatic transmissions," Johnson shared.
"Put simply—analog technology enables us to feel closer to the mechanisms of the work itself. And to the extent that certain consumers value this connection, there will always be a niche market of products for them."
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Meanwhile, Bored Panda got in touch with the author of the online thread, u/Tall_Mickey, to get their perspective on older and newer tech. They were kind enough to share their thoughts on the older innovations they prefer. One of these is the landline.
"I have a cell, but a cell doesn't give you the ability to send or receive calls for the entire house at one time, by default. With several extensions or remote receivers around, anybody at the house can pick up or check the messages on the answering machine. The caller doesn't have to decide which of several people to call. And of course, instant conference call at the house being called, if appropriate," the author told us.
"Also, we live in an area prone to prolonged rainstorms/atmospheric rivers, natural disasters, forest fires, landslides, wind storms, you name it. Old-school landlines on copper wires also stay up even if the power is out and the phone lines are on the ground. Landlines get their power through the copper lines. We've lost power for a couple of days and the landline kept working. Cell towers are only starting to have that kind of backup."
#7
Stick shift. I drive twisty roads in my Miata and I like having control over my car. Paddle shifters are an ok alternative but I really like the feel of the actual shift.
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In u/Tall_Mickey's opinion, so-called 'dumb' appliances also have their upsides. "I was in the market for a washing machine and got much advice from engineers and an appliance repairman not to buy a smart appliance: the communications and security software is poorly maintained and easily hacked; support may also cease while the appliance still has good life in it. One washer boasted that if I gave it my financials, it could order detergent and other renewables FOR ME on Amazon when it calculated that my supplies were low. I DON'T THINK SO."
Bored Panda was also curious about what newer tech the author also finds useful. "Search engines are God's gift to civilization. Especially if you grew up without them and had to go down to the library for everything, and they didn't have what you wanted, or lost it, or it was checked out. And it completely bugs me that people who came of age in the last ten years or so don't seem to use them," u/Tall_Mickey said that despite the easy access to information, some individuals seem to avoid using it.
"I moderate a Reddit sub for my city, and people would rather post random questions (When is the local XYZ festival happening) rather than doing an easy search. Social media has got them used to just asking, not getting. Even AI won't solve this, because to get the right answer needs the right question, and even that takes research."
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#11
I still love the radio. Baseball on the radio while you’re outside in the yard or doing chores - heaven.
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At the same time, the author opened up that the personal tech that they really want hasn't been invented yet. "We live in the 'fake future,' a time when we have personal tools that look advanced but are very limited or are running in a server farm in North Virginia that also monitors all your habits and queries for sale to the highest bidder."
From u/Tall_Mickey's perspective, newer technology might be easier or quicker to use, but that's not the same as it being better or more powerful. "These technologies give help that is easy to get, but are very limited, sometimes intentionally slow, compared to old-school techniques."
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Though we’re fans of some analog inventions, in some cases, there’s a genuine reason to let go of older tech. Many of us would probably agree that saving our documents using cloud services is far easier and quicker than relying on CDs or floppy disks. (And you could keep a printed hard copy as a backup if the info is seriously important.) But that jump from analog to digital tech hasn’t been that easy in some cultures. Digital transformations can be slow and painful, especially in large bureaucracies.
For example, it’s only this year, in 2024, that Japan has finally waved adieu to floppy disks. The BBC reports that until very recently, individuals were still asked to submit documents to the Japanese government on floppy disks, with over a thousand regulations to keep in mind. It took three years to complete the switch after Digital Minister Taro Kono declared war on floppy disks back in 2021.
Floppy disks, which were created in the 1960s, started falling out of use in the 1990s with improvements in data storage. In 2011, Sony, the last manufacturer of these disks, finally stopped producing them.
#16
And when the power goes out for longer than a few hours, longer than a few days even - what will people so dependent on tech do then? I can read a map, read a compass, read a non-digital clock; use a watch, do basic math in my head, build a campfire; set up a tent, etc. A lot of lost and soon to be lost life skills.
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It’s one thing to be a techno-optimist, but too much hype and naivety aren’t going to be doing anybody any favors. It helps to be a realist as far as technology is concerned. For one, that means recognizing that progress is not linear. Novelty does not mean an automatic jump in quality. It’s simply not guaranteed.
Just because a company comes out with a newer model of their top product doesn’t make the older one obsolete. The newer model might have some functions missing that the older ones have. Or the former might have an altered design that just doesn’t sit right with some consumers. Or the new functions just aren’t worth the major price tag. If there’s a new smartphone coming out every year, it’s a huge financial burden to keep buying the latest model just to stay trendy.
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#21
Printed bills. It just makes it easier to track. I get the bill in the mail when I get home, pay the bill, and throw it away when it's paid. I know the bill is paid because it'd be in the trash if it wasn't. And I've established the process of getting the mail, and paying the bill. This is largely credit-card bills, and utilities.
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To be honest, some design changes just aren’t all that consumer-friendly. It makes you want to stick to older tech, partly out of spite but mostly due to practicality. For instance, some of us aren’t fond of new smartphones not having a headphone jack. Sure, you’ll find plenty of people who love going wireless everywhere they can, from Bluetooth keyboards and mice to headphones. Fewer wires means less of a hassle, right?
But for others, this new tech adds an extra level of complexity. Namely, dealing with batteries and syncing up devices. Yours truly is currently writing this while listening to music on an old-school iPod with wired earbuds. Why? Because the device has reliably worked for the past decade and a half. Because the iPod’s battery lasts longer than that of a smartphone (step up your battery longevity game, tech companies!). And because I don’t want to shell out for a pair of Bluetooth headphones just because my phone suddenly doesn’t have an audio jack anymore.
What old-school or analog things are you still glad exist, dear Pandas? On the flip side, what newer and digital innovations are you genuinely happy to see? Share your thoughts in the comments.
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