Which type of storage method should be avoided for long-term storage due to degradation?

Optical storage is typically avoided for long-term storage due to the potential for degradation over time. Optical media, such as CDs, DVDs, and Blu-ray discs, rely on physical pits and lands to represent data. These surfaces can suffer from issues like scratches, exposure to light, humidity, and temperature changes, which can lead to data loss. The materials used in optical discs may deteriorate, resulting in unreadable data.

In contrast, solid-state storage and flash memory do not have moving parts and are generally more robust against physical degradation. Hard drives also tend to have a longer lifespan compared to optical media, although they are more susceptible to mechanical failure than solid-state drives. For these reasons, optical storage is considered less reliable for long-term data preservation, making it a less suitable option compared to other types of storage methods.