Some everyday habits survived the technology that was supposed to replace them—and they’re still surprisingly common.
Print a Return Label at Home
Online returns can now use a QR code that lets the store or shipping counter print the label. Yet plenty of shoppers still find a printer, tape the label onto a box and carry it to the drop-off point.
Call a Business for Basic Information
Need to know if a store is open or whether something is in stock? A website can answer in seconds, but Americans still use the phone. About 70% of Americans reported using phone support for customer service, according to YouGov’s 2025 data.
Take the Paper Receipt
Digital receipts are everywhere, but paper hasn’t disappeared. Some shoppers still automatically reach for the printed receipt, fold it into a wallet and forget about it until it becomes a tiny pile of mystery purchases.
Write the Wi-Fi Password Down
The classic piece of paper near the router is still alive. Phones can share Wi-Fi credentials digitally, yet households still write the network name and password on a note for visitors.
Screenshot a QR Code
Someone receives a QR code on their phone, takes a screenshot, then opens the screenshot later to scan it. It’s basically the digital equivalent of putting something in a drawer so it won’t get lost.
Ask for a Phone Number After Meeting Online
Two people are already connected through an app, social platform or messaging service—yet one still asks, “What’s your number?” Moving the conversation to a phone number remains a surprisingly persistent habit.
Print an Event Ticket
Digital tickets have become standard for many events, with smartphones increasingly functioning as wallets for tickets, IDs and loyalty cards. Still, some people print a ticket “just in case” and carry a piece of paper that the phone was supposed to replace.
Write Down a Confirmation Number
A booking confirmation arrives by email or sits inside an app, but people still jot the number onto paper or into their notes. The strange part is that the information is already searchable, saved and usually accessible from the same phone.