1) Laptops: "Just a heavy typewriter?"

Have you ever imagined dragging around a clunky, pricey typewriter with terrible battery life on your next beach vacation? That was the laptop scene in 1987. No wonder the New York Times declared them a "tragic demise" and foresaw a future where airplane tray tables would host cocktails, not computers.

The Times guess was partially correct. Back then, laptops were hefty beasts, costing an arm and a leg, barely lasting a few hours before a plug-in was essential. It's hard to fathom pulling one out on a train for email catch-up, let alone writing your next novel under palm trees.

But here's the catch: the Times, and many others, underestimated human ingenuity and the relentless tech march. They saw lugging a keyboard around as a burden, not a potential portal to a world of possibilities.

Fast forward a bit, and laptops shed bulky shells, slimmed down price tags, and mastered the art of holding a charge longer than a coffee break. Suddenly, the beach or the train transformed into viable workspaces, libraries squeezed into your backpack, and the world became your oyster (well, not literally, but you get the idea).

2) E-readers: "The death of paper?"

In 2007, Amazon's Kindle sparked the debate about the future of reading. Purists viewed it as a soulless replacement for the tactile experience of books, predicting its demise. Some even worried it might signal the end of paper books altogether.

Yet, e-readers carved their niche. Their portability, extensive libraries, and adjustable fonts appealed to on-the-go readers and bibliophiles with limited space. While paper books remain cherished, e-readers have become mainstream, proving that both can coexist.

3) Video games: "A fad for kids?"

Back in the 1980s, video games were brushed off as a mere fad, a blip on the entertainment radar. Parents were worried about their addictive nature and questionable content, while some grown-ups deemed them as childish distractions.

Yet, video games transformed into a diverse and complex art form, capturing the imaginations of millions. They fostered vibrant communities, pushing the boundaries of storytelling and technology. Today, video games are a multi-billion dollar industry enjoyed by people of all ages and backgrounds, proving their lasting appeal.

4) Podcasts: "Who listens to radio shows on their phones?"

In the early 2000s, podcasts were this niche phenomenon, accessible only to tech-savvy early adopters. Many questioned their appeal in the age of streaming music and on-demand video. "Who listens to radio shows on their phones?" was the common skepticism.

Yet, podcasts found their audience. Their on-demand nature, diverse content, and intimate format resonated with listeners craving deeper engagement. From true crime to comedy to educational talks, podcasts offered something for everyone, propelling them into a mainstream media force.

5) Social media: "A fleeting trend for teenagers?"

In the late 1990s, social media platforms like Myspace and Friendster were dismissed as fleeting trends for teenagers. Critics viewed them as frivolous distractions devoid of real-world value. Some even questioned the wisdom of sharing personal information online.

However, social media's impact turned out to be profound. It revolutionized communication, enabling global connections and fostering communities around shared interests. While concerns about privacy and misinformation persist, social media has become an essential part of our lives, changing how we connect, consume information, and interact with the world.

These are just a few instances of inventions initially deemed fads but shaped our lives unexpectedly. It's a reminder that innovation is often met with skepticism and that groundbreaking ideas can take time to gain acceptance.