Innovation regularly births new ways of sending & receiving information. Networks get built-out around the methods that are faster, cheaper, more accessible, more reliable or more precise. These become additional layers for humans to coordinate, communicate and cooperate.

Bitcoin has made money indistinguishable from any other string of text. This means that transacting is not solely dependent on internet access, but can utilize a range of networks and technologies to suit specific needs. Optionality will only continue to grow with adoption.

@ollyrobot point was that the process of metallurgy enabled us to do more with less. it doesn't entirely eliminate the need for wood. if you disregarded steel as a building material you would be out-competed by those who adopted it- aviation, railways, cargo ships, bridges, etc.