Tech nostalgia: In with the old

What inspires the recent appeal of obsolete technology.

Everything old is new again – even the dusty tech in your junk drawer. Millennials and Gen Zers are resurrecting vintage technology, and not just for the novelty kick. Tech nostalgia can save consumers money, or help them unplug. The trend reflects a simple truth: Newer isn’t always better. 

Though popular, e-books offer a clear demonstration of what so much new technology lacks– a sensory experience. The smell of an old book and the sound of a turning page largely explain why print books still dominate the market. Retro junkies seek tech that delivers a physical encounter. And with physical connection so often replaced by virtual connection today, it’s easy to understand a desire to turn back time. 

Let’s talk about some of the reasons tech nostalgia is in – and why old tech might be here to stay.

Money, money, money.

Tangle-prone or not, wired headphones have upsides. Losing old-school headphones won’t ding your wallet as badly as losing their wireless counterparts – and wires are more difficult to lose in the first place. Flip phones are another popular retro tech product with a consumer-friendly price tag. Why buy the latest iPhone – which will be outdated soon enough – when you could opt for a fun, funky and cheaper flip phone and sock away the difference for a vacation?

Quality counts!

Vinyl records aren’t as affordable – or as mobile – as Spotify, and you can’t play a record in your car. And yet, vinyl sales now outpace CD sales. Besides offering retro-appeal, vinyl records sound better than their digital descendants, according to vinyl enthusiasts. Records capture all analog waves in the original performance, which digital music can’t do, making vinyl more faithful to the original studio performance. And for those who appreciate the romance of clicks, pops and white noise, digital music simply can’t compete.

Memory lane is good for the brain.

Regardless of the approach you take to family giving, the end goal is to leave a family legacy of generosity. This starts with a conversation and living and breathing the values of caring and giving on a regular basis. In fact, according to More than Money 360, lack of communication and trust are at the top of the list of risks to family’s wealth (along with deficiency in legacy planning). 

Communication about financial wealth should not just focus on money. Instead, incorporating core values, legacy, philanthropy and defining life experiences will refocus the conversation on the family unit – what matters most. Coupled with active participation in giving, this practice helps foster a spirit of gratitude over entitlement. 

As your family members age, they may find new causes they care about and have the desire to support. If you lay the groundwork for charitable giving, they will carry it with them for the rest of their lives – and pass it down to the next generation. Talk about making a difference. 

Repurposing the past

Some trending tech is more vintage-inspired than vintage. Phones with foldable screens are both old and new. With smartphone capabilities but the pocketable size of flip phones, models like the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4 are experiencing a surge in popularity. Motorola has also entered the foldable screen game, hinting at a growing market for new tech with an old vibe.

From e-learning to remote work, online shopping to contact-free delivery, much of the face-to-face interaction we need in order to feel connected has been stripped from our day-to-day. There’s wisdom in a yen for vinyl records and Polaroid cameras. Unlike their digital alternatives, these items offer something tangible to collect, to hold, to share. Over time, a beloved book or photo becomes an heirloom, something to pass down to children and grandchildren. And so it goes. 

Sources: harpersbazaar.com.au; psychologytoday.com; thehustle.co; digitaltrends.com; wsj.com; theguardian.com; cnn.com; sciencefocus.com