Planned Obsolescence

"Programmed" or "planned" obsolescence is a business strategy that involves designing products that will become useless over time, enticing consumers to buy newer products more frequently. It can involve designing products to break more easily, have limited repairability, become incompatible with newer operating systems and software, or even just "appear" out of date, driving interest in buying.

Definition

Planned obsolescence, a controversial business strategy, involves designing products with a limited lifespan, encouraging consumers to replace them more frequently. This insidious tactic, while often subtle, has permeated various industries, from consumer electronics to education.

One prime example is the textbook industry. College students are often required to purchase the latest edition of textbooks each semester, even if the core content remains largely unchanged. Minor updates, often cosmetic in nature, render older editions obsolete, forcing students to incur significant expenses. Not to include latest scam in the industry: Renting a Digital Textbook semester by semester.

The electronics industry is another major culprit. Smartphones, with their rapid hardware upgrades and software updates that often render older models obsolete, are a textbook case of planned obsolescence. The constant pressure to upgrade to the latest model, with its marginally improved features, fuels a cycle of consumerism that is detrimental to both wallets and the environment.

Even software is not immune. Annual releases of video game franchises, such as Call of Duty, often require players to purchase the latest iteration to enjoy the full experience. This creates a sense of urgency and FOMO (fear of missing out), driving consumers to upgrade even if they are satisfied with the previous version.

The recent controversy surrounding Windows 11's stringent hardware requirements, including the mandatory TPM 2.0 chip; backed by Pre-Built PC manufacturers further exemplifies this trend. By effectively rendering millions of perfectly functional computers incompatible with the latest operating system, Microsoft has inadvertently fueled the e-waste crisis.

This constant pressure to upgrade, fueled by planned obsolescence, has significant consequences. It not only drives consumerism but also contributes to environmental degradation. The production of electronic devices requires vast amounts of energy and resources, and the disposal of e-waste poses serious environmental risks.

Furthermore, planned obsolescence undermines consumer trust and fosters a culture of disposability. It creates a sense of dissatisfaction with perfectly functional products, encouraging a constant cycle of consumption and replacement.

To combat this insidious practice, consumers need to become more aware of the tactics employed by manufacturers. They must prioritize durability, repairability, and sustainability when making purchasing decisions. Supporting companies that prioritize ethical and sustainable practices is crucial in shifting the paradigm towards a more responsible and sustainable consumption model.

Ultimately, breaking free from the shackles of planned obsolescence requires a collective effort from consumers, manufacturers, and policymakers. By demanding more durable, repairable, and long-lasting products, we can create a more sustainable and equitable future for all.

Examples of Planned Obsolescence

1. Light Bulbs (Phoebus Cartel): The infamous "light bulb conspiracy" where manufacturers agreed to shorten the lifespan of light bulbs to increase sales.
2. Fashion Trends: Rapidly changing fashion trends, often dictated by marketing and celebrity influence, encourage consumers to discard perfectly usable clothing and buy new items.
3. Smartphones: Annual upgrades with minor improvements often pressure consumers to replace perfectly functional devices. Software updates can sometimes render older models slower or incompatible with new features.
4. Printers and Ink Cartridges: Printers are often sold at a loss, with manufacturers recouping costs through expensive and proprietary ink cartridges that are designed to run out quickly.
5. Fast Fashion: The rise of fast fashion brands (like SHEIN) encourages consumers to purchase cheap, disposable clothing that is often poorly made and destined for landfills.
6. Video Game Consoles: New generations of consoles are released regularly, often with little significant improvement in performance, forcing gamers to upgrade to play the latest games.
7. Subscription Services: Many services, from streaming platforms to software, employ subscription models that encourage continuous payments, even if the user's needs have not changed or didn't even use the product at all.
8. App Updates: Frequent app updates can sometimes introduce bugs, slow down older devices, or even render them incompatible, forcing users to upgrade their phones.
9. Batteries in Electronics: Many electronics, such as laptops and smartphones, use batteries that are difficult or impossible to replace, forcing consumers to replace the entire device.
10. "Disposable" Electronics: Many everyday electronics, such as cheap headphones and disposable vapes are designed to be easily broken and difficult to repair, encouraging consumers to buy replacements.
11. Textbooks: As mentioned earlier, frequent new editions of textbooks with minor changes force students to purchase the latest version, even if they have a perfectly usable older edition.
12. Disposable Cameras: A classic example, these cameras were designed to be used once and then discarded.
13. Razor Blades: Disposable razors are designed to become dull quickly, encouraging users to purchase replacement cartridges.
14. Appliances: Many appliances, such as toasters and coffee makers, are designed with limited repairability, making it difficult or impossible to fix minor issues.
15. Fashion Accessories: Trends in fashion accessories change rapidly, encouraging consumers to constantly update their wardrobes.
16. Toys: Many toys are made with cheap materials and are designed to break easily, encouraging children to ask for new ones.
17. Cosmetics: The constant introduction of new products and limited shelf life of many cosmetics encourages consumers to constantly replace their makeup.
18. Automotive Parts: Some car parts are designed to wear out quickly, forcing consumers to replace them more frequently.
19. Software Updates: Software updates can sometimes introduce bugs, slow down older computers, or even render certain features unusable, forcing users to upgrade their hardware.
20. "Perceived Obsolescence": Marketing campaigns often create the perception that older products are outdated or inferior, even if they still function perfectly well.

This list provides a glimpse into the pervasive nature of planned obsolescence in our modern consumer society. By understanding these tactics, consumers can make more informed purchasing decisions and support businesses that prioritize sustainability and durability.

Disclaimer: This list is not exhaustive and is intended for informational purposes only.

Note: It's important to note that planned obsolescence is a complex issue with varying degrees of intentionality. Some instances may be unintentional consequences of technological advancements or the pursuit of innovation.

This information should not be construed as legal or financial advice.