Why We Should Bring Back Postcards in the Age of Digital Overload
Postcards have never had more value than they do today. With the advent of phone calls, text messaging, and instant digital communication, people now opt to share their travels on social media with photos and videos. This is a relatively new way of sharing information—and, of course, it wasn’t always this way.
Sure, your friends and family can see what you’re doing, where you are, and what you’re up to. They might even feel connected with you but of course, they’re not.
So how is a postcard different? Well, a postcard lets people know you’re thinking about them. It’s thoughtful, personal, inexpensive, and makes the receiver feel important and valued. Taking the time to write to someone and mail it the old-fashioned way shows an almost meditative—almost lost—form of communication.
When was the last time your friend sent you a postcard? Or a handwritten note or letter? Middle school? Newer generations have never sent or received a handwritten letter in the mail. What a shame!
There’s a timeless magic in using the postal service to send personal messages and greetings from your travels.
The purpose of this essay is to encourage you to use it. One of my good friends—and my editor—turned me into a fan. He’s an old-school guy: think spectacles, bow tie, and suspenders. That’s Bob. And Bob understands the power of the postcard. When he travels, he sends my wife and me postcards from his adventures—like this one from Arkansas:
He could call or text, send us photos, and whatnot. But why would he? Wouldn’t that be better saved for later—experienced in person, scrolling through his photos, talking about his trip, sharing stories and anecdotes about his experiences? I think so—and that’s exactly what Bob does. Whenever I open the mailbox and find a postcard with a handwritten message, I find it so unique. It makes me want to adopt the habit and write postcards to my friends and family.
I’ve received trinkets, keychains, shot glasses, and other common gift shop mementos from friends and family. And although I appreciate the gifts, because it’s truly the thought that counts—I would have much preferred a simple, inexpensive postcard instead. I think most people feel the same way.
When you travel, do what Bob does! He’s having fun, taking in his surroundings but his postcard lets us know he’s thinking about us. He’s taking his time, enjoying new places, making memories—but he hasn’t forgotten his friends back home. He wants us to feel where he is and what he’s doing. He wouldn’t be so trite as to make social media posts and tag us. That’s so modern, cold, and tone-deaf.
He’s not making it about him!
His postcard habit is commendable. It always brings a smile to my face. Inspired by him, I’ve adopted the habit. And this essay—also inspired by him—is meant to inspire you and yours to adopt it too. I suggest you consider it before spending marked-up tourist prices on shot glasses, keychains, and trinkets that will inevitably end up in the dumpster.
Opt for the postcard. Take a little time, pen a little note, and mail a little postcard to your friends. It will have a big impact. All you need is a stamp.
What I’ve learned is that the lack of stamps is what has stopped me from sending postcards. Postcards are easy to find but stamps aren’t always. You might have to reroute to a post office or drive out of your way. Or maybe the post office happens to be closed. So much friction for such a little stamp! And that’s usually the obstacle that keeps people from taking part in this age-old, timeless, magical way of saying, I’m thinking about you! Wish you were here!
The trick to solving this is to buy the stamps ahead of time. I’ve bought a couple of stamp books and keep them in my travel bag. That way, the friction is gone. Anytime I’m out and about, I can easily find a postcard in a new town or gas station—and since I have the stamps, writing a message, stamping it, and tossing it in a mailbox is no problem at all.
I love and use tech as much as the next person, but I’m embracing the analog life. There are so many good things that once were that deserve to come back—and I think the charm and memento of the postcard are among them.
According to the United States Postal Service (USPS), the number of stamped cards and postcards sent via First-Class Mail in the U.S. has fallen dramatically over time. For example, in 1997 there were 3.0 billion single-piece stamped cards/postcards.1
In 2024, that number dropped to 0.326 billion (325,862,000). The long-term trend: declining postcard usage as digital communication takes over.
The decline in everyday postcard mail in the U.S. makes your postcard that much more special.
Social media may have killed the postcard, but with your mindfulness, it too shall be resurrected!