The Definition of Wane
When we talk about the word ‘wane’, we are referring to a gradual decrease in intensity, power, or size. It is often used to describe something that is diminishing or becoming less prominent over time.
Examples of Wane
- As summer turned into fall, the daylight hours began to wane, and the nights grew longer.
- The popularity of a particular trend may wane as new fads take its place in the market.
- An athlete’s performance may wane as they age and their physical abilities decline.
Case Studies on Wane
One famous example of a brand experiencing a wane in popularity is Blockbuster. Once a powerhouse in the video rental industry, Blockbuster’s relevance declined with the rise of streaming services like Netflix. This led to the closure of many Blockbuster stores and ultimately the bankruptcy of the company.
Another case study is the decline of print newspapers due to the digital revolution. As more people turned to online news sources, traditional newspapers saw a wane in readership and advertising revenue, leading to layoffs and closures.
Statistics on Wane
According to a study by Pew Research Center, the number of Americans who regularly read print newspapers has been on the wane for years. In 2019, only 16% of U.S. adults said they often read newspapers in print, down from 23% in 2016.
Additionally, a survey by Nielsen found that the viewership of traditional TV channels among younger audiences has been waning as they turn to streaming services and social media for entertainment.
