In 1987, the world was on the brink of a technological revolution. Personal computers were still chunky and slow, cell phones were luxury bricks reserved for the elite, and the idea of the Internet was little more than a whisper in academic circles. Yet, somehow, a few bold visionaries dared to predict what technology might look like nearly 40 years into the future — and their forecasts will leave you gasping, wheezing, and maybe even laughing out loud.
The Predictions That Hit Surprisingly Close to Home
Back in 1987, some tech futurists imagined a world filled with “portable telephones” that could fit into a pocket. At the time, this seemed almost laughable — after all, the average mobile phone was roughly the size of a shoebox. Today, not only are phones small enough to slip into a skinny-jeans pocket, but they also function as powerful handheld computers, capable of tasks that 1987’s most powerful machines could barely dream of.
There were also bold ideas about “electronic mail” becoming a dominant form of communication. While email did exist in primitive forms back then, few could have imagined the era of instant messaging, emojis, and group chats that define today’s digital communication landscape.
One 1987 magazine even speculated about “virtual shopping malls,” where people could browse stores from their living rooms. Fast forward to now, and online shopping isn’t just a convenience — it’s a trillion-dollar industry that can deliver groceries, clothes, furniture, and even cars straight to your doorstep.
The Predictions That Will Make You Chuckle
Not all visions of the future aged so gracefully. Some experts predicted that by now, we’d have robotic housekeepers in every home, looking suspiciously like Rosie from The Jetsons. While we do have Roombas whizzing around floors and smart speakers managing our lights, fully humanoid robot butlers are still more science fiction than science fact.
Others suggested that by 2025, we’d all have flying cars parked in the garage. Sadly, while prototype flying vehicles exist, the reality is far more grounded — congested highways and frustrating traffic jams are still a part of everyday life for most.
Perhaps the most entertaining misfire was the expectation that “video phones” would be so bulky they’d require their own dedicated room in every home. Little did they know that FaceTime, Zoom, and countless other video-calling services would soon fit snugly in our palms.
Why 1987’s Predictions Still Matter
Despite the occasional wild miss, the predictions of 1987 show an inspiring spirit of optimism and imagination. They remind us that even when technology seems to move slowly, the seeds planted by dreamers can grow into realities far more astonishing than anyone could foresee.
As we look ahead to the next 40 years, it’s worth remembering: today’s wildest ideas might just be tomorrow’s everyday miracles.
And who knows — maybe by 2065, we’ll finally have those robot butlers and flying cars after all.
I am a person who is positive about every aspect of life.I have always been an achiever be it academics or professional life. I believe in success through hard work & dedication.
Technology Blogger at TechnoSecrets.com
