We are at the height of apparent technological progress; however, paradoxically, so much appears to be in decline. But Is it really? We may try to ignore the feeling, but the more we do, the more the nagging doubt persists.
From local high street businesses, restaurants, bars, jobs, and even interpersonal relationships. They are all under pressure, and many are operating in survival mode. All while technology booms.
But why?
In this article, we take a look at that very question and more.
Here goes…
Global Competition
Prior to the rise of the internet and online shopping, businesses could rely on local customers.
Pre-COVID, online shopping was popular, but the COVID-19 pandemic accelerated that popularity to astronomical levels, accelerating the closure of many local businesses.
Online retailers, many of which are large corporates, thrived while the smaller local businesses never recovered from the lost footfall.
In the US, over 7,300 retail stores closed, some of the highest numbers since 2020. By contrast, only 5970 new stores opened, leaving a significant shortfall.
It’s expected that figures for 2025 will reveal over 15,000 closures in the US with only around 5.800 new openings, again a significant shortfall.
Similar statistics can be found in the UK and other major countries around the world.
Community
Local businesses traditionally operated as social hubs where people could meet, interact and form bonds with each other within society.
The decline in local business means a decline in social interaction and a reduction in social cohesion.
Social Media
The rise of social media has seen dependency on apps for human connections and interaction.
The landscape has shifted from connecting via local hubs and businesses to people connecting online via social media and online dating apps.
Human connections and social hubs have effectively been commoditised.
Social media has given everyone the opportunity to have a voice and potentially the ability to connect with everyone around the world instantly.
However, the reality is that the algorithms often only reward emotionally charged posts that consist of conflict, divisiveness and sensational topics.
This further exacerbates the situation, resulting in attention seeking posts that further add to the feeling of decline, and even a reduction in genuine human connection.
In an age where perception is everything, for entrepreneurs and businesses, a single rumour, misinterpreted post, or malicious campaign can often lead to cancellation.
Worst still, social media gives the user the illusion of taking action. When in reality, the venting of outrage is often not taking any action at all.
Read this article on inaction:
Birth Rates
In the West, fertility rates and births have fallen well below replacement levels (2.1 births per woman needed to maintain population levels).
Europe and North America have some of the lowest birth rates in the world, with around 1.4 births per woman in Europe and 1.6 in North America.
In Japan, the average number of children a woman will have dropped to about 1.15. In some regions, like Tokyo, the rates are below 1.0.
Declining economic uncertainty, declining purchasing power and the high cost of living are all potential drivers for these changes.
Counter to popular belief, most of the world’s population is in decline, not overpopulated.
A shrinking working-age workforce can slow economic growth, reduce consumer demand, and constrain innovation.
Jobs
Retail has traditionally been a major employer, but now with increasing closures and the rise of online shopping, these jobs are declining.
The rise of technology over the last twenty years or so has seen an increase in the tech sector; however, developments in AI and robotics are now edging into areas that were once the domain of purely human activity.
Elon Musk recently stated (Nov 2025) that “AI and robots will replace all jobs. Working will be optional, like growing your own vegetables, instead of buying them from the store.”
He expects most jobs to be eliminated within 20-30 years, including doctors. He states that AI is already capable of replacing half of all jobs today.
Already, at the time of writing (Jan 2026), many large companies such as Amazon and Microsoft have replaced humans with AI systems.
What Should Entrepreneurs Know?
The world is changing fast. Not only technologically, but also socially and biologically.
As entrepreneurs, it’s essential to understand that our new ventures are now competing on a global level.
Targeting the traditional ‘younger’ markets may be less fruitful in future as the working age population declines and as the public starts to consist of mainly older consumers.
As the effects of AI and robotics hit, certain industries and businesses may become economically unviable to maintain purely for profit purposes only.
If commentators like Elon Musk are correct, and as the human job market shrinks, the cost- effectiveness of AI and robotics could mean that most consumer goods and services could become free or nearly free.
There is no way any small or medium-sized business can compete with those economies of scale.
This could mean a technological heaven or a dystopian nightmare; the choice is ours.
Read this article on critical thinking:
What Can We Do?
There is little we can do to prevent the inevitable ‘progress’.
We do, however, have the choice to look up from our phones, interact in the real world, purchase from our local shops and smaller businesses and change behaviour.
As a species, we should want an increase in personal social interactions and a reversal of the declining birth rates.
Unfortunately, it’s unlikely that we will abandon the convenience of smartphones, social media, online dating apps and food delivery services to the front door.
Forward-looking entrepreneurs should be mindful that businesses have traditionally not been purely about making money.
Yes, profit has been a factor, but importantly, businesses have always operated as social hubs for thousands of years; markets, food halls, eateries, high street shops and entertainment venues.
If entrepreneurs can bring that sense of community, the human touch to their businesses, they are likely to have an edge in the new paradigm.
Businesses that offer experiences, genuine human connection and entertainment could thrive in the new reality.
Ironically, businesses that thrive not just to profit but to delight consumers up against the cold precision of AI and robotics could do very well indeed.
It’s also highly important that entrepreneurs protect themselves financially during these huge economic shifts.
Read this article on why entrepreneurs should consider gold, silver and Bitcoin:
The Future
US President Ronald Reagan once made a speech to the United Nations in 1987:
“Perhaps we need some outside, universal threat to make us recognize this common bond. I occasionally think how quickly our differences worldwide would vanish if we were facing an alien threat from outside this world. And yet, I ask you, is not an alien force already among us? What could be more alien to the universal aspirations of our peoples than war and the threat of war?“
The speech postulates that as humans, we may require external ‘alien’ stimulus to come together and make change.
However, the speech does not take into account that any highly intelligent ‘zookeeper’ may not have the desire to get into the cage with the lions.
If we want change, we may have to look inwards at ourselves first.
Final thoughts
Yes, many areas of modern life are in decline. From decreased business due to global competition to decreased birth rates worldwide, to job losses and the breakdown of small businesses.
That perception is not imagined. However, with all the changes that have happened and are likely to continue in the near future comes a great opportunity.
Forward-thinking entrepreneurs who are willing to adapt, change behaviour and most importantly create businesses that delight, entertain and educate, could do very well indeed.
Entrepreneurs who include ethical practices, the human touch and social interaction into their business models could thrive against the cold rise of the machines.
Entrepreneurs who look inwards and make changes from within, rather than expecting change from external forces, could also prosper immensely in the new reality.
Good luck!
Virtual Heaven (Back To Reality) 2017 – (Graham Jules)
Read about the full ‘Alien Agenda’ in an exciting Sci-Fi – Illustrated Screenplay Format Book – Limited edition copies available on Amazon. Virtual Heaven (Back to Reality) – by Graham Jules.
Pop Up World token has a growing ecosystem and is one to watch for the future.
***Disclaimer: This article is not financial advice and is given for informational and entertainment purposes only. Readers should conduct their own research and not invest more than they can afford to lose. Crypto is extremely volatile, and as such can drop in value considerably without notice. Pop Up World has a global presence and is not specifically targeting any jurisdiction with its content. Any crypto references are not intended for UK businesses or consumers. You should always seek legal advice to understand if the use or investment in crypto is allowed in your jurisdiction.
Pop Up World YouTube Reviews:
Review. Malik Atif – Hindi -Urdu
Review. Inside Crypto – Hindi – Urdu
Review. Convincing Crypto – English
The Pop Up World Token is designed specifically for entrepreneurs, to store value and to utilise on our platform Pop Up World. Join the revolution in financial freedom today.
Get the token on Cardano Decentralised Exchanges (DeXs), MuesliSwap, SundeSwap, Wingriders and Minswap. Or click the link here:
Pop Up World token has a growing ecosystem
Earn and help support the Pop Up World Blog and entrepreneurs worldwide by joining our Pop Up World Stakepool! Go to https://popupworld.co.uk/popupworldstaking
Thanks!
Want to learn how to stake on Cardano? Read this article:
It starts with an idea. Pop Up World is a platform that helps start-ups and small businesses reach for the stars. No matter what size you are. Use our start-up guide Business Zero to Superhero, Design your Logo. Connect with investors via our Investor Connector. You can start a Website and Domain name. You can Search for and promote your Premises. You can promote your idea for free on our Pop Up World Ads site, you can even form a Limited Company You can also join us on our journey via the Pop Up World Token (PUW).
.
Pop Up World Blog 