What is Planned Obsolescence?

2023-06-13 14:11:50

With the advancement of technology, we have seen a growing demand for electronic devices such as smartphones, smartwatches, smart TVs, notebooks and other gadgets. However, we are often faced with the frustration that these devices have a relatively short lifespan. This is largely due to a phenomenon known as scheduled obsolescence.

What is Planned Obsolescence?

What is Planned Obsolescence?

Planned obsolescence is the name given to the practice of designing and manufacturing products with an intentionally limited lifespan. In other words, is when a device is designed to stop working or become obsolete following a certain period of time. This strategy is often implemented by companies in the field of electronic devices with the aim of increasing their sales, following all, if a product stops working, you quickly run to buy another one.

But is it already broken? Bought the other day!”

While planned obsolescence can help companies sell more and more products, it has negative implications for the environment and for the consumers. The constant replacement by new electronic devices consequently increases the volume of electronic waste, which contains toxic materials that are difficult to recycle. In addition, consumers live with a feeling of dissatisfaction for having to spend money on new products in a relatively short time.

Planned obsolescence in smartphones

With launches one following another, the smartphone market is one of the most affected by planned obsolescence. Source: Oficina da Net

A clear example of planned obsolescence is present in the smartphones. With new releases taking place every year, technology companies create a sense of artificial obsolescence, making consumers feel that their devices are out of date and need to be replaced with newer models.

In addition, planned obsolescence can also occur more subtly through software updates. Companies often release updates that are incompatible with older devices, leading consumers to feel the need to get a new smartphone to continue enjoying the latest features and receive proper support.

Planned obsolescence on smart TVs

The smart TV market also suffers from planned obsolescence. Source: Canva

As smart TVs are also not exempt from this phenomenon. These devices often have a limited lifespan due to lack of support from software updates or the development of new media formats that are no longer compatible with older models. So, if the user wants to have a complete and improved user experience, he will need to buy a new TV to continue enjoying the latest services and features.

Other forms of planned obsolescence

Have you noticed that today’s cars are much more fragile? Source: Canva

Planned obsolescence is not just limited to electronic devices, but can also affect other products such as home appliances, cars and even clothes. In many cases, replacement parts for repairs are difficult to find or are very expensive, causing consumers to consider replacing the entire product instead of refurbishing or replacing a part.

How to combat planned obsolescence?

Nowadays there are already measures to combat planned obsolescence. For example, some countries have implemented laws to ensure product durability and facilitate repair when needed, requiring companies to provide replacement parts and repair manuals to consumers. That has prompted some companies, like Apple, to adopt moves like the “right to repair,” which allows consumers to repair their own devices.

Changing components that deteriorate over time, such as the battery, is a way to extend the life of your smartphone. Source: Oficina da Net

Another way to combat planned obsolescence is the growth of the refurbished device market. These devices are overhauled, repaired and resold at a more affordable price, allowing consumers to purchase quality products at a lower cost, thereby reducing electronic waste.

Going to buy a new electronic product?

It is possible that, when talking regarding planned obsolescence, you are already considering having to change your smartphone, smart TV or any other electronic product. If that’s the case, know that you can also adopt practices that help reduce planned obsolescence. For example, take good care of devicesrealize as software updates and do it periodic maintenance in order to prolong the useful life of these devices. Furthermore, research before making a purchase it can also help you choose a product that is really worth it.

And you, have you ever felt frustrated with the planned obsolescence of electronic devices?

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