18 Outdated Predictions About Teen Life in 2020
These 18 predictions about teen life in 2020 were popular in the past but did not turn out as expected.
- Sophia Zapanta
- 5 min read

Over the years, experts and media have made bold predictions about what life would be like for teens in 2020. Many of these forecasts assumed dramatic technological or social changes that did not fully happen. This article highlights 18 predictions about teen life that now seem outdated or inaccurate.
1. Flying Cars for Teens
matankic on Wikimedia Commons
Many imagined teens would drive flying cars by 2020. The idea appeared in movies, magazines, and futuristic forecasts. While technology has advanced, flying cars are still not part of everyday teen life. Teens mostly rely on traditional cars or public transportation.
2. Personal Jetpacks
Bernard Spragg. NZ on Wikimedia Commons
Some predictions suggested every teen would have a personal jetpack for commuting. Jetpacks have been developed but remain experimental and rare. Most teens continue to walk, bike, or use standard transportation. The idea of widespread teen jetpacks was overly optimistic.
3. Fully Automated Homes
Koray sueda on Wikimedia Commons
Experts predicted teens would live in fully automated houses controlled by voice commands. While smart home devices exist, fully automated homes are not common. Teens rarely have complete control over automated systems in their homes. Most smart technology is supplemental rather than fully transformative.
4. Holographic Classrooms
ESO on Wikimedia Commons
Holographic learning was expected to replace traditional classrooms. Virtual and online learning exists, but holograms are not widely used. Most teens still attend physical or standard online classes. Holographic classrooms remain a futuristic concept.
5. Brain-Controlled Devices
Marcin Wichary on Wikimedia Commons
Some predicted teens would control gadgets with their thoughts alone. Brain-computer interfaces exist in research labs but are not available for everyday use. Teens continue to use touchscreens and voice assistants. Full thought-controlled technology is not yet mainstream.
6. Robot Friends
Chris 73 on Wikimedia Commons
Predictions included teens having humanoid robots as companions. While robotics has advanced, social robots are rare and expensive. Most teens interact with humans and digital devices instead. Robot friends have not become a widespread reality.
7. Virtual Reality Everywhere
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VR was expected to dominate teen entertainment and education. VR is still popular for gaming but not a standard part of daily teen life. Most teens use smartphones and computers for entertainment. VR has not become as universal as predicted.
8. Instant Language Translation
Raimond Spekking on Wikimedia Commons
Experts imagined teens would communicate in any language instantly using devices. Translation apps exist but are not perfectly accurate or seamless. Language learning still plays a role in teen education. Instant, flawless translation is not yet a reality.
9. Hoverboards for Everyone
Soar Boards on Wikimedia Commons
Hoverboards were predicted to replace bikes or skateboards for teens. They exist but are not universally used or practical for commuting. Teens continue to prefer traditional methods of transportation. Hoverboards remain a niche gadget.
10. Fully Virtual Social Lives
Matan Tal on Wikimedia Commons
Some forecasts suggested teens would spend nearly all social time online or in virtual worlds. Social media is widely used, but in-person interaction remains important. Most teens balance online and offline social experiences. Fully virtual social lives have not fully materialized.
11. Mind-Reading Technology
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Predictions included devices that could read teens’ thoughts to tailor experiences. No technology currently allows precise mind-reading for everyday use. Teens still rely on communication to express ideas and feelings. Mind-reading devices remain science fiction.
12. Personal Flying Drones
Ibnali1 on Wikimedia Commons
It was expected that teens would use drones for commuting or delivery. While drones exist for filming or recreation, they are not a standard mode of transport. Teens rarely rely on drones for daily tasks. Drones remain specialized rather than everyday tools.
13. Smart Clothing
Glogger on Wikimedia Commons
Experts imagined clothing that could change color, adjust temperature, or provide health tracking for teens. Some wearable tech exists, like fitness trackers, but fully smart clothing is limited. Teens wear mostly regular clothes with occasional tech accessories. Smart clothing is not widespread.
14. Teleportation
Jin Zan on Wikimedia Commons
Some predicted teens would use teleportation to travel instantly. Teleportation remains impossible with current science. Teens continue to rely on cars, planes, and other conventional transport. The prediction was purely speculative.
15. Fully Automated Homework
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Experts suggested AI would complete all teen homework. AI can assist with some tasks but cannot replace student learning entirely. Teens still complete assignments and study manually. Fully automated homework is not a reality.
16. Digital Food Printing
Maurizio Pesce on Wikimedia Commons
Predictions included teens printing meals at home with 3D food printers. 3D food printing exists but is not practical or common in households. Most teens still rely on traditional cooking or prepared food. The technology has not become mainstream.
17. Augmented Reality Everywhere
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AR was expected to overlay digital elements in all teen environments. AR is used in games and apps but not in everyday life broadly. Most teens interact with the real world as usual. AR has not fully transformed daily activities.
18. Health-Tracking Implants
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Experts imagined implants monitoring teens’ health 24/7. Wearable devices exist, but invasive implants are not common or approved for general use. Teens mostly rely on external devices for fitness tracking. Continuous health-monitoring implants remain futuristic.