25 things we miss from the pre-digital age
HERE we are in the midst of the new digital age, yet it seems some of us still miss many of the things we took for granted in the ‘old days’.
A new poll of 2,000 people, conducted by OnePoll for British Airways, has identified the likes of using public telephones, going into the travel agents to book a holiday, and buying disposable cameras as things we miss but no longer do due to technology.
Carolina Martinoli, British Airways’ director of brand and customer experience, said “Technology and the internet has evolved so much in recent years that tasks we once considered to be regular parts of our day are now done for us online.
“The results show us how dependant we have become on the internet and being connected at all times.”
The study found the average adult spends four hours a day on the internet; 58% say the majority of their activities now rely heavily on technology; while 26% feel completely cut off without WiFi.
But even though many of us now rely heavily on technology in our day-to-day lives, here are the top 25 things people say they miss about the pre-digital age (although we’re sure a few of these are still in relatively common practice!) ■■1. Making mix-tapes ■■2. Putting photos into albums ■■3. Recording films and TV shows using VHS ■■4. Having printed photos around the house ■■5. The excitement of having photographs developed before you can see them ■■6. Handwritten letters ■■7. Sending love letters ■■8. Sending postcards ■■9. Having pen friends ■■10. Buying CDs/having a CD collection ■■11. Using public telephones ■■12. Using a telephone directory ■■13. Carrying a portable CD player ■■14. Going into the travel agents to research a holiday ■■15. Buying disposable cameras ■■16. Turning to a hard copy of the Yellow Pages ■■17. Playing traditional board games or cards ■■18. Owning an encyclopedia ■■19. Dialing directory enquiries ■■20. Visiting car boot sales to sell old stuff ■■21. Remembering phone numbers by heart ■■22. Hand-writing school work ■■23. Ringing the speaking clock ■■24. Trying on pairs of shoes on the high street ■■25. Dialing 1471 to see who called while you were out