Planned Obsolescence

Planned obsolescence or built-in obsolescence[1] is the process of a product becoming obsolete and/or non-functional after a certain period or amount of use in a way that is planned or designed by the manufacturer.[1] Planned obsolescence has potential benefits for a producer because the product fails and 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.

wikipedia.org



Ive been thinking about this for a while now, especially the crap 'MADE IN CHINA.'
We should keep concentrating on our own economy. It should be about quality not quantity IMO.

[edit on 10-9-2009 by ChemicalSubstance]

I cant watch it at work but is it really that they are planned to stop functioning? I've had the same no-frills cell phone for 6 years now.

I just figured it was fickle and stupid consumers wanting the latest and greatest with all sorts of gadgets and pointless beeps and rings that kept unnecessary crap selling.

reply to post by ChemicalSubstance


I actually did quite a bit of research on this very subject not too long ago because I was helping my sister-in-law write a research paper on municipal waste. I learned a lot and much of it was just appalling! I couldn't believe how much mercury goes into the environment from the disposal of old computers and many of these computers aren't even "old." They're just obsolete because something better comes along and then they aren't disposed of appropriately. It's pretty scary actually. I'm on the run right now, but I'll try to be back in a few hours to post some of our findings.

www.storyofstuff.com...

Somebody, please embed this video!

I have spread it as much as I know how to do, and it is on ATS in a few threads, but it is a terrific and simplistic explanation for "Planned Obsolescence"!

Great Thread by the way, S + F!

reply to post by thisguyrighthere

I've had the same no-frills cell phone for 6 years now. I just figured it was fickle and stupid consumers wanting the latest and greatest with all sorts of gadgets and pointless beeps and rings that kept unnecessary crap selling.

I think that's absolutely correct, it sounds like a case of 'Perceived Obsolescence' only in your case you sound like you don't mind carrying a brick around, Only kidding

But on a serious note, its funny how your no-thrills Cell phone lasted 4 years longer than my Nokia N95, I just went back to using my old phone whereas most people would have moved on to the N96 model.

Here's a video I found on Perceived Obsolescence. I hope you can watch it.


[edit on 10-9-2009 by ChemicalSubstance]

It think it has more to do with the poor quality, materials and workmanship that go into producing goods in China. Everything I have that is old and still works was either made in the US or Germany. With the exception of Apple products, most goods made in China are throw away, and last a couple years, at best.

The documentary the light bulb conspiracy deals with planned obsolescence.