Technology makes life easier, but it also makes us forget (or simply never learn) skills we used to rely on.
There are ways around spellchecking, basic maths, and even getting around, meaning many of the abilities you used to not be able to get by without are suddenly becoming obsolete for many people. While it’s great to move with the times and become more efficient, it comes at the cost of being able to do these things.
1. Reading a map properly
Once upon a time, road trips involved unfolding massive maps and arguing over the best route. Now, we just tap a destination into Google Maps and blindly follow the blue line. The art of navigating with a real map—or even just having a general sense of direction—is slowly disappearing. Without satnav, many people wouldn’t have a clue how to get somewhere new. But relying on technology completely can backfire — glitches, signal loss, or dodgy directions can leave you stranded. Knowing how to read a map (or at least memorise key routes) is still a useful skill.
2. Spelling without autocorrect
Spellcheck and autocorrect have made spelling mistakes almost irrelevant. Your phone fixes typos before you even notice them, and word processors highlight errors instantly. But this means fewer people actually know how to spell tricky words without digital help. Ever tried writing something by hand and second-guessed how to spell “necessary” or “guarantee”? Without constant corrections from technology, many of us would struggle to spell even simple words correctly.
3. Memorising phone numbers
There was a time when you had to remember important phone numbers — home, friends, your best mate’s landline. Now, contacts are saved automatically, and most people couldn’t even tell you their partner’s number off the top of their head. While this might not seem like a big deal, losing your phone or running out of battery could leave you completely stuck. If you only remember one number, make it a useful one, like a close friend or a taxi service.
4. Writing by hand for long periods
With laptops, tablets, and phones handling most of our communication, writing anything longer than a quick note by hand feels like a struggle. Many people find their handwriting has worsened simply because they don’t use it as much. For students who take digital notes and professionals who type everything, handwriting is becoming a lost art. But there’s still something satisfying (and useful) about writing by hand, whether it’s a personal letter or a quick shopping list.
5. Doing mental maths
Calculators are built into everything — phones, watches, even search engines — so working things out in your head feels unnecessary. Basic maths like adding up prices or figuring out percentages has become a struggle for many. While it’s great that we don’t have to stress over calculations, relying on tech for simple sums can make us a bit lazy. Mental maths keeps the brain sharp and helps in everyday situations, like splitting a bill or working out a discount.
6. Remembering birthdays without Facebook
Once, you had to actually remember when your friends’ and family members’ birthdays were. Now, social media sends automatic reminders, so there’s no need to keep dates in your head. The downside? If you ever step away from social media, you might suddenly realise you have no clue when anyone’s birthday is. Keeping a few key dates in memory (or at least in a diary) can save you from awkwardly missing an important one.
7. Finding information without Google
Before search engines, if you wanted to learn something, you had to look it up in a book, ask someone, or actually figure it out yourself. Now, we Google every little thing, from historical facts to “how to boil an egg.” While instant access to information is great, it also means we’re less likely to actually retain what we learn. There’s a difference between quickly checking an answer and genuinely understanding something.
8. Reading a clock with hands
It seems simple, but many younger people struggle with analogue clocks. Digital displays are everywhere — on phones, laptops, microwaves — so telling time from a traditional clock face is a skill that’s slowly fading. While digital clocks are more convenient, knowing how to read an analogue clock is still useful. After all, not everything runs on a digital display, and some workplaces or old buildings still rely on good old-fashioned clock hands.
9. Taking photos without endless retakes
Back in the day, cameras used film, so you had to get the shot right the first time. Now, with smartphones offering unlimited retries, people snap dozens of photos just to get one decent one. The ability to frame a good picture without needing five attempts (or heavy editing) is becoming rarer. There’s an art to capturing a great moment without relying on filters, cropping, or deleting half your gallery afterward.
10. Cooking from memory instead of Googling recipes
Many people now rely on Google or recipe apps to cook even simple meals. Instead of remembering how to make a dish, we instinctively search for step-by-step instructions every time. While online recipes are handy, knowing a few basic meals by heart is still a great skill. Being able to throw together a decent dinner without staring at your phone the whole time makes cooking feel a lot more natural.
11. Fixing things instead of replacing them
Years ago, if something broke, people tried to fix it. Now, thanks to cheap replacements and throwaway culture, most people don’t bother repairing anything — they just replace it. From sewing up a ripped shirt to fixing a loose screw, basic repair skills are disappearing. But knowing how to fix small things yourself can save money and stop unnecessary waste.
12. Getting around and being able to use a library
Libraries used to be the go-to place for research, but with the internet at our fingertips, fewer people know how to use them properly. Finding a book using a catalogue or searching for information in physical archives is a fading skill. Even though online resources are quicker, libraries are still valuable. They offer access to books, quiet study spaces, and archives of information you won’t always find online.
13. Making a fire without a lighter
Survival skills are less common now that modern technology does everything for us. One of the most basic skills — starting a fire without a lighter or matches — is something fewer people know how to do, unless they were in Scouts as a kid. While you might not need this skill daily, it’s useful for camping or emergencies. Plus, there’s something satisfying about knowing you could start a fire if you really had to.
14. Remembering directions without GPS
Before satnavs, people had to actually remember how to get places. You’d use landmarks, street names, and a general sense of direction instead of relying on a robotic voice telling you where to turn. Now, if our phones die, many of us feel completely lost. Having some basic sense of direction, like remembering key roads or knowing how to follow a physical sign—can make a big difference.
