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All good things must come to an end. And the saddest goodbyes often happen when we least expect them. Who remembers massive printed telephone directories, Blockbuster video rental stores, Encyclopedias, paper maps, or one-hour photo printing labs? They seemingly disappeared almost overnight, as technology quickly took over.

Nowadays, things evolve so fast that if you blink, you might miss it. Objects, jobs, and even entire industries are here today, gone tomorrow. We just might not realize it yet. Someone asked, "What industry is secretly on the verge of collapsing, but people outside of it haven’t noticed yet?" and some of the responses might have you thinking of switching careers. Universities, realtors, and the alcohol industry are just a few sectors that might be imploding, if the thread is anything to go by.

Bored Panda has put together some of the most interesting answers. We also take a look at industries that have already vanished. You'll find that info between the images.

#1

A woman shops for clothes in a boutique, highlighting retail industries about to collapse. Influencing. People are hip to the grift. Lecturing people about politics while you are on a yacht or pimping yourself out to every terrible for the environment fast fashion brand is tone deaf.

Worried_Pen4820 Report

Jen Mart
Community Member
30 minutes ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Finally!!!!! Why do they call themselves " influencers" instead of hucksters?

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    #2

    A vibrant stadium packed with fans watching a soccer game, symbolizing industries about to collapse. Pro sports fandom. Venues charge top dollar to attend games or you can only watch on streaming platforms for a fee. Only hard-core fans with money to burn can afford that in this economy. Not worth streaming anymore unless you can commit to sitting on your a*s to watch a significant portion of the season. Unless you are a bed-ridden invalid, who has time for that??? Stop the greed and stop alienating the fan base.

    MainVeterinarian5232 Report

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    #3

    A close-up of a gold ring with a large clear gem, symbolizing luxury industries that are about to collapse. Not an industry by monopoly; the DeBeers monopoly on diamonds. The lab-created diamond is taking over and its upending the "natural mined diamonds" monopoly. For very good reasons.

    Brassanthe Report

    Jen Mart
    Community Member
    34 minutes ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Jared and Kay Jewelers are both owned by Signet Jewelers, and usually most malls had/have both stores. People would find a "better deal" at one of them although they are both essentially the same company.

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    #4

    The Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas sign, depicting the tourism industry and its potential collapse. Vegas. As a whole.

    Capable-Anything269 Report

    #5

    Students in a classroom, illustrating educational industries that are about to collapse or transform. Universities are in deep trouble. I just got out of the industry. Young people and parents don't see the value in a degree, loading up with debt and no graduate level jobs to go to. Also a lot of Universities are in deep, deep debt.

    ArthurDigbySellersJr Report

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    #6

    A woman holding a Home for Sale sign, representing industries that are about to collapse, like real estate. Realtors. People are waking up to this scam.

    hobanwash1 Report

    #7

    Person using ChatGPT on a laptop, highlighting industries that are about to collapse due to AI advancements. The AI money burn is unsustainable.

    EstHodieInBonis25211 Report

    #8

    The iconic Hollywood sign on a sunny hill, representing industries that are about to collapse. Hollywood. Bad movies that cost $300 million to make. Pretty soon AI will allow 4 guys in a basement to make a movie that looks as good as anything Hollywood could make. And it will cost less than $60,000.

    Malthus17 Report

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    #9

    A news broadcast on a large screen shows a doctor and a news anchor, discussing artificial intelligence and industries that are about to collapse. TV and news.... Many news stations in the tv industry are scrambling. Tons of layoffs and revamps.

    theburnttoast4 Report

    Jen Mart
    Community Member
    25 minutes ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Oh boy ! Clairol is going to lose so much money with no need for blonde hair dye .

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    #10

    Amusement park by the sea with a Ferris wheel, an industry about to collapse. Theme parks. Disneyland, Disney World, kings island, cedar park, six flags great adventure, etc.... They've priced themselves out of the general population just like Vegas.

    WealthyTuna Report

    #11

    A focused engineer examines data on a computer in a modern office, depicting industries about to collapse due to tech shifts. Air traffic control

    Half of the workforce retires in the next 5-8 years and that is a shorter amount of time than the FAA has to hire and move people (training takes several years and you can’t just jump into a busy facility so you have to train at least twice). They think we’re going to stay past our retirement eligibility after treating us like garbage for the last ten years.

    CropdustingOMdesk Report

    Maria Dieguez
    Community Member
    1 minute ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Trump administration hiring and training gamers to fill the void. What could go wrong?

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    #12

    A doctor consults a masked patient in an office, illustrating industries about to collapse in healthcare. Healthcare. Waits are getting longer and longer. Insurance is denying more and more things. And the costs are too high for most. Along with staff shortages. Appointments are more like a drive-thru than an actual Dr appointment. I think we're going to reach a point where the demand is going to exceed the supply more than it already has and there's going to be severe consequences.

    S7A4M Report

    Perseverantloser
    Community Member
    7 minutes ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It already has where i live. You used to call to get a mammogram and you could get one that same week. Now its six months or more before you could get one.

    #13

    A serious woman holding an American flag over her shoulder, reflecting industries that are about to collapse. The United States.

    Calaveras-Metal Report

    Jen Mart
    Community Member
    27 minutes ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Not an industry. And them's fighting words : )

    #14

    A teacher helps a young girl with red hair write at a desk, surrounded by other children, representing industries that are about to collapse. Education. This elementary teacher cannot believe what a sinking ship this industry has become.

    mmmohhh Report

    #15

    A female doctor in a mask and gown holds up an X-ray image, possibly from a collapsing industry. Radiology. AI won’t fully replace it but will definitely make it so incoming med students want nothing to do with the specialty.

    leopoldthegreatest Report

    Jen Mart
    Community Member
    25 minutes ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It's going to have to be a LOT better. I tried it with X-rays in my dental practice and AI noted 7 or more things wrong with a healthy tooth.

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    #16

    A dentist with a mask and gloves adjusts a light over a smiling patient, representing industries that are about to collapse. In network dental insurance/affordable dental care 👀

    The costs and write offs of dental work are becoming too much to sustain a dental office. Staying in network is costing dental offices so much money.

    The insurance company payouts and maximums are enough to cover maybe one crown and then you’re maxed for the year. They refuse to increase maximums.

    Heem_butt08 Report

    Jen Mart
    Community Member
    23 minutes ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    YES YES YES! In the US it is illegal for dentists to get together and boycott an insurance company.

    #17

    Nail technician working on a client's nails, an industry about to collapse. Nail salons! Way too expensive and you can basically do everything at home for a fraction of the cost!

    ClassyCurvyCurly Report

    Jen Mart
    Community Member
    20 minutes ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I can bite my own nails, thank you very much

    #18

    Man repainting old window frames, an industry about to collapse. I think it comes down to which industries aren't collapsing. I've started to cut out the following and I'm sure many others have as well:

    Home repair,
    Auto Maintenance,
    Coffee shops,
    Barbershop,
    Movie theater,
    Restaurants,
    Air travel.

    My new "hobbies" are house / car projects, cooking, refurbishing goods from Facebook Marketplace instead of buying new. I cut my own hair, watch movies at home, drive to the beach. For the most part, I don't feel like I'm missing out on much. I don't feel the need to prop up an economy that doesn't care about me, I'd rather support a neighbor.

    Oijtsider Report

    Jen Mart
    Community Member
    19 minutes ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Thank goodness dentistry is not on there or I'd be out of a job at the enamel mines.

    #19

    A black cutout of a human head with circles inside, topped by the letters AI, symbolizing industries collapsing due to AI. Its crazy how many of these industries are reeling because of A.I.

    Hate to say it, but we had out warning when Andrew Yang tried to warn people back in 2016. I'm not saying he should have been President, but he was giving very clear warning signs. We failed to do anything about it though because like smoking we don't think of the risks until plenty damage has been compounded.

    Then ChatGPT came out. It hasn't even been four years yet.

    These other industries that are being mentioned are also getting wiped out because people will have no way to fund their services (as their job is being done by A.I).

    Imagine 10 years from now.

    Test21489713408765 Report

    Jen Mart
    Community Member
    10 minutes ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I imagine the Terminator 2. Judgment Day (1991) - Opening scene

    #20

    An empty bar with neon lights, symbolizing industries that are about to collapse or face significant decline. The alcohol industry as a whole, from an accountant working in said industry.

    TwoWorldsTonight Report

    #21

    People wearing 3D glasses watching a movie in a dark cinema, depicting entertainment industries that are about to collapse. Movie theaters

    I love going to the Movies when theres a big film being released. But I dont have kids its just me and my wife, and seeing a movie for us two with popcorn, candy, two drinks was probably $70.00.

    90% of the movies I watch is far better at home.
    I'm an avid movie fan, so I invested a decent ammount into a sound system, I have a good T.V. that Im upgrading in 2027. 75-80 inch TV. And considering upgrading my sound system which is really good. So my home set up is really loud, really sharp, really comfortable , and really convenient. 

    So my home experience is great. And I 'm from a generation, that as a kid I went to the movies nearly every weekend. That lasted until my mid 20's early 30's 

    Now I might seek three or four movies at the theater a year.  And partly because I can walk 5 minutes to get there. If I had to drive 20 or 30 minutes it might be two a year.

    This new generation doesn't have a nostalgia for the the communal theater experience like former generations so unless movies improve the experience we can have at home. I think some theaters won't survive. .

    NewResponsibility163 Report

    #22

    An overhead view of a bustling cafe, representing dining industries that are about to collapse. Restaurants. They’ve lost their mind.

    Equal_Custard8772 Report

    #23

    A charming building corner with a cafe, illustrating industries that are about to collapse. All these downtowns with restaurants and shops are facing skyrocketing rent prices. It’s only a matter of time before businesses start closing down.

    Pitiful_Aioli_5030 Report

    #24

    Elderly man reading a newspaper on a park bench, showing an industry about to collapse. Newspapers. Who wants to pay for yesterday’s news?

    PoolExtension5517 Report

    Jen Mart
    Community Member
    26 minutes ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    They used to clean windows really well

    #25

    A mechanic in a beanie works on a car engine in a garage, symbolizing industries that are about to collapse. Auto repair: Vehicles have gone hybrid leaving 80% of current techs, clueless. Current curriculum doesn’t cover the newest technology. Some automakers have shut down techs and shops from diagnosing vehicles by requiring more fees to access diagnostic capabilities on the scanners we paid $10k for.

    IneptAdvisor Report

    #26

    Graphic design.

    Recent-Coast-1970 Report

    Jen Mart
    Community Member
    10 minutes ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    What was Adobe Photo Shop , grandpa?

    #27

    The beef industry.

    GreatSummer2804 Report

    #28

    Security guard with a badge and radio, representing industries about to collapse. I guess not really a secret, but both healthcare and law enforcement. Both are complete nightmares for somewhat overlapping issues. No one with decent intellect wants to be a LEO and take on all the risk involved, which leaves departments forced to hire candidates that otherwise wouldn’t have been considered or not fill positions and work short, which impacts safety for not only the officers themselves but the public among many other cascading effects. Healthcare struggles to find competent workers especially in the more advanced practices, not entirely certain what the causes for this are but it’s epidemic and is steadily growing worse.

    FallaciousFact Report

    #29

    A close-up of a green circuit board with chips, representing collapsing industries in technology. American semiconductor industry. We no longer have the capability to produce hitech chips. Haven’t for years. We used to at least design and innovate but now it’s all done in Taiwan and china. Huge loss and dangerous for our security as a nation. And we gave it all away for a short term profit. Government let it all happen and even helped it along with our greedy congress.

    garyniehaus Report

    #30

    Hands holding a tablet displaying a YouTube video, highlighting changing industries and digital media. The main stream media. They can't be trusted anymore.

    Bitter-Variation-151 Report

    #31

    A therapist talking to a client on a couch, illustrating a changing industry. Mental healthcare. These tech companies are crushing therapists and clinical care is tanking as a result.

    weeeeeeeeeeeewoo Report

    #32

    A person in a suit with a VOTE button on their lapel, reading a document, representing industries collapsing. Honestly I think politics is a dying industry. Voters don’t trust the people running for office, and people who may be more “qualified” don’t want to be associated with the current U.S. political system. In Maine just last year, a young congressman with two terms under his belt decided not to run for office again because of threats to his family. Crazy this is what we’re dealing with now.

    yungmoney2222 Report

    Jen Mart
    Community Member
    18 minutes ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Brian Williams, once a trusted voice in American journalism, saw his career unravel due to embellished stories about his experiences reporting from war zones. In 2015, Williams admitted to falsely claiming he was in a helicopter hit by enemy fire during the Iraq War in 2003 Now a days the journalist could say they were flying the copter when it got shot down and when confronted, would do the old double down.

    #33

    First-world human software development.

    - Yes, there will always be a need for skilled, intuitive, smart software devs to check on/verify AI code.
    - Yes, there will always be a need for skilled, intuitive, smart people who understand software to guide and manage AI code systems

    But the people who will be needed to do those jobs is much smaller than the full complement of devs in the first world. Further, the number of devs who are capable of making the needed skill jump is small. Essentially, most people who write code are 'developers" the way people who ran adding machines before spreadsheets were "accountants."

    Yet, the level of cope pretending AI development is a "fad" or "failed experiment" in the industry is truly spectacular.

    realityczek Report

    #34

    Interior designers. Hello AI.

    Due_Base2116 Report

    Jen Mart
    Community Member
    7 minutes ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It used to be we couldn't live up to the beauty standards . Now my living room will never match the AI ones . I can live with that

    #35

    I'm pretty sure people do know this, but tourism in the United States. Some places never fully returned to pre-pandemic attendance and just keep taking hit after hit. Americans can't afford to go. International visitors don't want to go. It's bad.

    Top-Nectarine-835 Report

    #36

    Education. K-12 and higher education. The USA has gone all in on destroying our education. You can even pull Fox News clips now where they say voters are too educated. We have a VP who said the professors are the enemy of the state.

    It’s pure madness.

    -Economist- Report