Planned Obsolescence: Reflecting on Technology, Sustainability, and Consumer Culture
We are currently living in an era dominated by rapid technological advancements where ethical considerations surrounding planned obsolescence have become increasingly pronounced. As these considerations and critiques rise to the forefront, it should demand more profound scrutiny as technology advances. This essay aims to delve into the intricate interplay between technology, sustainability, and consumer culture, focusing on three aspects: the ethical implications of planned obsolescence, the delicate equilibrium between technological progress and environmental sustainability, and the relationship between consumer culture and the planned obsolescence paradigm. As we navigate through these advances and changes, it is evident that these elements not only shape our values and attitudes but also hold great implications for our collective future in this digital age.
Planned obsolescence, a strategy used by companies to intentionally limit the lifespan of products, raises significant ethical concerns. In this generation, products often break or seem to need replacing much sooner than they did even just a few decades ago. Companies have begun using cheaper materials to increase profit margins and keep consumers coming back for more. The environmental impact is one of the foremost issues to consider. Planned obsolescence contributes to electronic waste, leading to environmental degradation and health hazards due to the improper disposal of devices, according to a study published in the Journal of Cleaner Production (Lieder and Rashid, 2015). Solid waste generation, landfill, and emissions to the environment have become increasingly severe as mass production of goods led to new consumer societies and growth in industrial activity. The ethical responsibility of companies to minimize their ecological footprint is more important now than ever, and planned obsolescence stands in direct contradiction to this principle. The erosion of consumer trust is another consequence of planned obsolescence. Consumers are increasingly skeptical about the long-term reliability and durability of products as planned obsolescence fosters a culture of disposability (Rainie, Lee, et al., 2019). The prevailing ethos of constant upgrades, improvements, and the rapid obsolescence of technology shapes our culture into one that prioritizes novelty over sustainability. This challenges the core values of conservation and responsible resource management that protects our environment. It is imperative that we reflect on the ethical implications of participating in a culture and market that promotes planned obsolescence, though it is almost impossible not to do so.
The tension between technological innovation and sustainability is palpable in a society that thrives on continuous progress. While technological advancements have changed the world and revolutionized our lives, the environmental cost must not be ignored. The rapid increase in global resource extraction for technological products poses a great threat to the planet’s sustainability (Shandal, Heinz, et al., 2017). Planned obsolescence only exacerbates this issue by accelerating the turnover of devices and products, increasing the demand for raw materials. While viewing the role of planned obsolescence in this context, it becomes clear that sustainable practices must be integrated into technological development. Striking a balance between innovation and environmental responsibility is critical to protecting the earth and our ecosystem. Companies could adopt strategies such as modular design and repairability to extend the lifespan of products, aligning technological progress with sustainability goals. This would call for less of a focus on monetary profits, which unfortunately seems to be highly unlikely for many of the large technology companies that contribute to the problem.
There is an intricate relationship between consumer culture and planned obsolescence that shapes the way individuals perceive and interact with technology. Analyzing this dynamic reveals a multifaceted impact on consumer behavior, the development of a disposable mentality, and the pursuit of the latest products. As previously mentioned, planned obsolescence fuels a consumer culture that thrives on the constant need for upgrades and newer products. The desire for the latest features and functionalities can drive individuals to discard functional devices for newer models, contributing to a culture of waste and excess consumption. The design of the iPhone is a clear example of this, as its design only changes slightly with each new release. The disposable mentality cultivated by planned obsolescence extends beyond technology into various aspects of consumer behavior. It fosters a mindset that views possessions as transient and easily replaceable, neglecting sustainable practices as well as the long-term consequences of these attitudes on the environment and resource depletion. It not only places a strain on the environment but also influences societal values by placing undue importance on materialism.
The ethical implication of planned obsolescence extends far beyond the realm of technology, affecting consumer trust, environmental sustainability, and societal values. Balancing technological advancement with sustainability will require a reevaluation of our priorities, urging us to consider the long-term consequences of our technological and consumerist choices. Understanding the impact of planned obsolescence on consumer culture is crucial for creating a more conscious and responsible society. As consumers, we have the power to demand ethical practices from companies and contribute to a culture that values sustainability, durability, and a mindful approach to progress and technological advancements.
References (Formatting error)
Lieder and Rashid. “Towards Circular Economy Implementation: A Comprehensive Review in Context of Manufacturing Industry.” Journal of Cleaner Production, Elsevier, 22 Dec. 2015, www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0959652615018661.
Mann, Angad, et al. “Environmental Impact Assessment of Different Strategies for the Remanufacturing of User Electronics.” MDPI, Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute, 24 Mar. 2022, www.mdpi.com/1996-1073/15/7/2376.
Rainie, Lee, et al. “Trust and Distrust in America.” Pew Research Center - U.S. Politics & Policy, Pew Research Center, 22 July 2019, www.pewresearch.org/politics/2019/07/22/trust-and-distrust-in-america/.
Shandal, Heinz, et al. Global Material Flows and Resource Productivity: Forty Years of Evidence: Global Material Flows and Resource Productivity, June 2017, www.researchgate.net/publication/318184690_Global_Material_Flows_and_Resource_Productivity_Forty_Years_of_Evidence_Global_Material_Flows_and_Resource_Productivity.
