When people used to watch TV as a family, a commercial break would be a good point to talk about whats happened so far and have a quick conversation.

It also provided an opportunity to use the washroom, get snacks etc.

Yes, you can pause a stream to do all of that. But there's a psychological difference between making a choice to stop the action or taking advantage of when it's done for you.

My favourite part of something that is outdated is in season 2 when McNulty is looking at them through binoculars fiddling with their phone and goes 'what are they doing?'

Cut to him explaining to the team on a white board 'Its something called 'SMS'. You don't have to call people through the phone. You can just send them written messages'.

And everyone looks confused.