Recently I updated my cell phone to a newer version because people kept asking why I had such an old version of it(iPhone 3 to an iPhone 4) I then decided to changed it. Went down to to the local Best Buy where I had notice that the iPod I purchased less than a year ago was already on sale and was replaced by something just slightly better. The exact same thing had occurred with my television, printer, camera, and game systems. I then started searching on the internet on why items break so frequently and why new version were released so quickly (most of the time within six months of the original) and why we have to replacement them repeatedly. I have known the definition of obsolescence for a while but never stopped to think about planned obsolescence. So here is the wiki definition of it.
Planned Obsolescence- in industrial design is a policy of deliberately planning or designing a product with a limited useful life, so it will become obsolete or nonfunctional after a certain period of time. Planned obsolescence has potential benefits for a producer because to obtain continuing use of the product the consumer is under pressure to purchase again, whether from the same manufacturer (a replacement part or a newer model), or from a competitor which might also rely on planned obsolescence.
It all began back in the 1920's and 30's with light bulb, and has slowly spread to different parts of our industry whether it is fashion, software, electronics, furniture etc...
If you still fail to see planned obsolescence then just look around your room, how old is your television set? Why did you replace it? When do you think that you will get another one? Why? How long will you have that one before another you want is released?
Now think about this in different perspective, such as textbooks, computers, cars, clothes, cell phones and ask yourself all the questions above. (Personally textbooks are extremely annoying since I cannot sell them back and I literally spend over 1000 a year on them)
Must we really replace something the second a slight newer slight better version becomes available? Some of you might STILL doubt planned obsolescence however here is a link to light bulb which has lasted for over 110 years, now go to Walmart or something and you will see light bulbs which brag about having a lifetime of 1000 hours or even 10,000. If you're smart you might even get LED light bulbs which may last you 100,000 (you won't easily find these type of light bulbs) I have also attached another link here it is just a small YouTube documentary which explains the planned obsolescence of electronics in much better detail and the repercussion of such vast e-waste and usage of material but I digress, my question to is are you is:
Are you aware that those material things you have come to value so much and take such pride in have become designed for the dump? Does it bother you? Do you think that making planned obsolescence obsolete will be disastrous to the American way of life(of the consumer based American economy)? And do you even care?
Do note that is JUST up to 2006 before the iPhone or iPad etc...
I would have posted this in Serious talk forum, but I thought I could get better informed of different user's opinion in this forum.
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