In a constantly evolving world, it’s fascinating to look back and realize how many things we now take for granted didn’t exist 40 years ago. From technology to lifestyle changes, the past four decades have seen an explosion of innovations that have reshaped our daily lives.
Let’s learn about 22 things that did not exist 40 years ago.
VOD Platforms
Founded in 1997, Netflix began as a DVD rental service and has since grown into a streaming giant with over 277.65 million subscribers worldwide as of June 2023. Netflix is well-complemented by other VOD platforms like Amazon Prime, Disney+, and Hulu.
Gummy Vitamins
Gummy vitamins, which became popular in the late 1990s, offer a palatable alternative to traditional pills and tablets. This innovation has made it easier for children and adults to incorporate essential nutrients into their diets.
Vegan Meat
Vegan meat alternatives, such as Beyond Meat, Amy’s Kitchen, and Impossible Foods, have surged in popularity recently. These products offer a sustainable and ethical alternative to traditional meat, with the market valued at 1.4 billion US dollars in 2021.
Amazon
Launched in 1994 by Jeff Bezos, Amazon quickly expanded to become a global e-commerce powerhouse. Today, it dominates online retail, with over $576 billion US dollars in net sales in 2023. It offers everything from books to groceries to cloud computing services.
EBooks
Ebooks gained popularity with the advent of e-readers like the Amazon Kindle, launched in 2007. This innovation has transformed reading habits, making it easy to carry entire libraries in a single device.
Founded in 1998, Google has revolutionized how we search for information. Google handles over 8.5 billion searches daily and has become an integral part of the internet, influencing how Americans access and interact with information online.
FaceTime
Though video conferencing has been present for decades, Apple, in 2010 with its FaceTime feature, revolutionized video calling by integrating it into iPhones and iPads. This feature has become a staple for personal and professional communication.
Selfies
The term “selfie” gained popularity in the early 2000s with the rise of smartphones equipped with front-facing cameras. This phenomenon has become a significant part of social media culture, with 92 million selfies taken daily, accounting for 4% of all photos.
GPS Technology
The Global Positioning System (GPS), fully operational by the mid-1990s, revolutionized navigation and location tracking. Today, GPS technology is embedded in smartphones, cars, and various applications, making it indispensable for daily life.
Cryptocurrency
Cryptocurrency did not exist until Bitcoin was introduced in 2009. Since then, the market has expanded dramatically, with over 20,000 different cryptocurrencies now available and a total market capitalization of $2.56 trillion in mid-2024. These cryptocurrencies offer decentralized alternatives to traditional banking systems and prompt discussions on the future of money and financial regulations.
Electric Cars
Electric cars have seen significant advancements since the early prototypes of the 1980s. Companies like Tesla, founded in 2003, have popularized electric vehicles (EVs), making them a viable alternative to traditional gasoline-powered cars. In 2023, EV sales in the US were 1.6 million, an increase of 60% yearly from 1 million in 2022.
Texting And Sexting
Text messaging revolutionized communication after becoming widely available in the late 1990s. Today, 97% of Americans own a cell phone, and text messaging is one of the most commonly used forms of communication. Sexting, a phenomenon that emerged with mobile technology, has become a notable aspect of modern digital interaction.
Voice Assistants
Voice assistants, such as Amazon’s Alexa and Apple’s Siri, have become increasingly sophisticated since their introduction in the early 2010s. These AI-driven technologies now assist with everything from setting reminders to controlling smart home devices.
Wearable Technology
Fitness trackers and smartwatches have exploded in popularity over the past decade. Devices from companies like Fitbit and Apple provide users with health monitoring and connectivity.
Dating Apps
Online dating transformed significantly with the advent of dating apps in the early 2010s. Apps like Tinder, launched in 2012, have changed how Americans meet and date, with 30% of US adults having used a dating app or site at some point.
Contactless Payment
Contactless payment methods, including Apple Pay and Google Wallet, have revolutionized transactions since their introduction in the 2010s. These systems offer a fast, secure, and convenient way to pay, reducing the need for physical cash or cards.
Drones
Drones, or unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), have developed rapidly since the early 2000s. These devices are now used for everything from aerial photography to package delivery and agricultural monitoring. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)registered over 782,203 drones in the US by the end of May 2024, indicating their widespread adoption.
Mobile Banking
Since the 2000s, mobile banking has made financial management more accessible and convenient. With apps from central banks, Americans can do multiple activities from their smartphones, including checking their bank balance, transferring money, and paying bills.
Bluetooth Technology
Bluetooth technology, developed in the late 1990s, has enabled wireless communication between devices. It is now integral to many applications, from hands-free phone use to wireless headphones and smart home devices.
Disposable Contact Lenses
Disposable contact lenses were introduced in the late 1980s, providing a convenient and hygienic alternative to traditional lenses. Today, they are a common choice for vision correction, with millions of Americans using them for daily or extended wear.
Online Learning
One of the newest concepts, online learning, has grown significantly, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Platforms like Zoom and Coursera have made education accessible to millions, offering courses from kindergarten to advanced university degrees.
Competitive Video Gaming
Competitive video gaming has turned into a global phenomenon with high-stakes tournaments and unbelievably high prize pools. The industry is expected to surpass US$1.5 billion in revenue in the United States by 2028.