Enduring charm of business cards in a digital world

Social networking and pocket-sized devices make staying connected easier than ever. So, you might expect printed business cards to disappear.

Yet, they’re not—at least not yet.

My business card collection keeps growing at a steady rate. I know it’s the same for others.

There are two key reasons why business cards won’t vanish anytime soon:

1. Universal and reliable

Paper remains a universal format. Business cards don’t need a specific app, hardware or operating system. They don’t run out of battery and “paper technology” doesn’t get outdated.

2. Social etiquette

The exchange of business cards is still an important ritual in many cultures. For instance, in Japan, a careful bow and exchange of business cards follow a specific etiquette—something that doesn’t translate easily to digital methods.

Despite the persistence of paper, technology has transformed how we use business cards. I now scan cards and save contact details digitally, while others simply photograph them on their phones. These practices make contacts easier to search and manage later on.