Inventions created with the intention of improving human life sometimes lead to unexpected consequences. Even though many technological innovations have changed the world, their authors later felt regret over how these discoveries were used. Below are seven inventions that caused mixed feelings in their own creators.
1. Emojis – expressions the creator didn’t like
The first graphic representation of emotions on the internet appeared in 1982. Professor Scott Fahlman suggested using symbols like :-) and :-( to differentiate jokes from serious statements in text messages.
Over time, these simple symbols evolved—largely due to Japanese influence—into modern emojis and spread across the world. Fahlman disliked emojis, calling them “unimaginative and too simple.” For a period of time, he felt uncomfortable being known more as the “inventor of the smiley” than for his scientific work in artificial intelligence.
2. Mother’s Day – an idea turned into a commercial holiday
Mother’s Day in the U.S. was established in memory of a woman who helped young mothers, educated the public about epidemics, and worked to improve children’s hygiene and living conditions. Her daughter, Anna Jarvis, succeeded in making the holiday official and chose the white carnation as its symbol.
But the holiday Anna envisioned as a sincere family celebration of gratitude soon turned into a commercial opportunity for businesses. Flowers, sweets, and marketing campaigns overwhelmed the original idea. Anna became so disappointed that she spent the rest of her life fighting the commercialization of the holiday—regretting its creation.
3. Comic Sans – a font “misused” in the creator’s eyes
Comic Sans was originally designed for the Microsoft Bob interface as a playful, comic-style font. Although it wasn’t used in that project, it was included in the Windows 95 package and quickly became popular.
Its creator, Vincent Connare, is not happy about this popularity. He believes that Comic Sans is often used in inappropriate contexts. Connare regrets being associated with what he considers the most improperly used font.
4. Television – a creation that drifted away from its purpose
Philo Farnsworth, one of the pioneers of electronic television, invented the fully electronic transmission tube. He believed that television would help people learn about the world and enrich their minds.
However, the result greatly disappointed him: instead of educational content, people spent hours watching meaningless programs. Farnsworth openly expressed regret, saying:
“There is nothing of value here, and we will not have it in our home.”
Interestingly, the character Professor Farnsworth in the animated series Futurama is named after him.
5. Agent Orange – a poison created from a scientific experiment meant for good
Botanist Arthur Galston was trying to create a substance that would accelerate plant growth. Instead, he accidentally synthesized a compound that, in high doses, destroyed plants. The U.S. military later used this compound to develop Agent Orange, a deadly herbicide.
During the Vietnam War, millions of liters of this chemical were sprayed to destroy jungle cover. Decades later, contaminated soil and water continue to cause birth defects, cancer, and other fatal illnesses. Galston was horrified to discover how his work had been used and called Agent Orange a “chemical weapon.”
6. Coffee capsules – convenience that became an environmental problem
John Sylvan, the creator of the Keurig coffee machine and K-Cup capsules, simply wanted to make a single perfect cup of coffee. The invention became incredibly popular, selling millions of capsules.
The problem is that most capsules cannot be recycled. They remain in landfills for years, harming the environment. After understanding the ecological impact, Sylvan admitted he regretted his invention. Companies are now working on biodegradable versions.
7. Shopping malls – an idea sacrificed to profit
The world’s first shopping mall was designed by architect Victor Gruen. He imagined a bright, spacious place with greenery where people could shop, relax, and spend time with family.
However, malls quickly transformed into profit-driven structures. Developers removed green areas to make space for more stores. Gruen later stated that his vision had been distorted and that malls were damaging urban culture. In 1978, he publicly renounced authorship of the concept.