Facts That Changed Since You Were in School

  1. Graduated in 2020
  2. 3 major discoveries since your graduation
Try another year
  • Technology & Computing
2020

Paper Will Be Completely Replaced by Computers

What you learned in school:

Technology classes predicted the "paperless office" where all documents would be digital and paper would become completely obsolete. Students learned about a future without physical documents, books, or written materials of any kind. Textbooks described computers as making paper unnecessary for all communication, record-keeping, and information storage. The vision was of offices and schools operating entirely through digital screens and electronic files, with paper relegated to museums as an outdated technology.

What we know now:

Technology classes predicted the "paperless office" where all documents would be digital and paper would become obsolete. Students learned about a future without physical documents, books, or written materials. Paper consumption actually increased with the adoption of personal computers and printers, as people printed digital documents. While digital documents are now common, paper remains important for legal documents, books, note-taking, and many other applications. The prediction failed to account for the continued advantages of paper for certain tasks and the human preference for physical documents in many situations.
  • Technology & Computing
2020

Virtual Reality Will Replace All Entertainment

What you learned in school:

Technology classes in the 1990s predicted that virtual reality would become the dominant form of entertainment, completely replacing television, movies, and books. Students learned about immersive virtual worlds as the inevitable future of all media consumption. Textbooks described VR as revolutionary technology that would make traditional entertainment obsolete. The predictions assumed that technical limitations would be quickly overcome and that people would prefer virtual experiences over all other forms of entertainment.

What we know now:

Technology classes predicted that virtual reality would become the dominant form of entertainment, replacing television, movies, and books. Students learned about immersive virtual worlds as the future of media consumption. While VR technology has advanced significantly, it remains a niche entertainment option rather than replacing traditional media. Issues with motion sickness, cost, social isolation, and content limitations have prevented widespread adoption. Most people still prefer traditional entertainment forms for daily use, though VR has found success in specific applications like gaming and training.
  • Technology & Computing
2020

Email Will Kill Postal Mail

What you learned in school:

Technology and business classes predicted that electronic mail would completely replace physical postal services within a few decades. Students learned about the inevitable obsolescence of traditional mail delivery as digital communication became dominant. Textbooks described postal workers and mail trucks as relics of the past that would disappear once everyone had access to email. The prediction assumed that all communication needs could be met electronically, making physical mail delivery unnecessary and economically unviable.

What we know now:

Technology and business classes predicted that electronic mail would completely replace physical postal services. Students learned about the obsolescence of traditional mail delivery. While email has dramatically reduced personal letter writing and some business correspondence, postal services have adapted and continue to thrive with package delivery, e-commerce fulfillment, and specialized services. Online shopping has actually increased package delivery demand. Postal services evolved rather than disappeared, finding new roles in the digital economy.

Science is always evolving. These facts represent our current understanding and may continue to be refined as we learn more.