Most of the public believes that paper editions of newspapers will be extinct by the year 2050. Just a third of Americans (34%) predict that newspapers will be able to survive the next 40 years. Majorities of most demographic groups expect the demise of print newspapers, and those with at least some college experience are especially likely to do so. The death of newspapers, however, is not just related to the problems of the media industry. Most Americans see a paperless future. Fully 63% say that paper money will not exist in 2050, with all financial transactions being electronic. A similar number (61%) believe that almost no one will send personal letters in the mail 40 years from now. Read More

Russell Heimlich  is a former web developer at Pew Research Center.