Tech - Obsolescence
Our current world operates under the myth of infinite resources. Corporations have their goal of
infinite growth and profit, with consumers submitting themselves to their dogma leading to never
ending consumerism.
Programmed Obsolescence
Programmed obsolesce is the unnecessary but definite deprecation of technology by their creators and
maintainers. Not driven by legitimate claims but a desire to push consumers to buy their newer
products through deliberate sabotaging acts.
Limited Durability
Products have from the manufacturing stage limited durability either by design or lack of incentive
to use components of greater quality. Quality degradation can also be the result of device
tempering; performance degradation and functionality restrictions. Devices still in good conditions
can suffer from death sentences set by companies also known as end of life. Components can not be
purchased for repair and software do not receive any functionality nor security updates. Users
wanting to keep their devices find themselves unable to access services requiring newer ones to
operate, transforming them in expensive paperweights.
Limited Reperability
To avoid it, users may want to repair their devices to extend the original lifespan. Greedy
corporations have set numerous roadblocks to discourage them to take this path. Repairs if available
can only be done by the manufacturers and sanctioned third parties at an extortionary price, forcing
many to opt for a new device instead. The more stubborn ones are in for more unpleasant surprises
with illegal threats of void warranty and technical hardships including but not limited to the need
of specialized tools difficult and expensive to acquire; components glued or soldered rendering the
repair process brittle.
Perceived Obsolescence
Contrary to programmed obsolescence manufactured by corporations, perceived obsolescence refers to
societal norms and consumer judgments.
Meaningless changes
Companies create newer products with zero to few improvements differentiated only by cosmetic
changes aggressively pushed to consumers as the pinnacle of innovation.
Consumerism
Consumers have also their part of responsibility in the matter by mindlessly following trends,
viewing their devices as status symbol and thus contributing to our wasteful culture.
Consequences
E-waste
This obsolescence is a major contributor to e-waste. 62 millions tonnes of e-waste have been
produced in 2022 and an average of 2.6 millions tonnes added annually with only one quarter being
properly recycled.
Solutions
Government & Companies role
Governments should put regulations in place to force company to build durable and repairable
products with extended support and clear labeling allowing consumers to make informed
decisions. Since both disposing of e-waste and extracting new raw materials are damaging to the
environment, companies should be forced to pay the cost of recycling. In case of non compliance
heavy fines followed by interdiction to operate should be put in place to deter bad practices.
Users role
Users should make consumerism obsolete and encourage sustainable practices. Besides advocating for
the aforementioned regulations, they should keep using their old devices and learn to appreciate
their constraints. When they break they should repair them themselves or bring them to a their local
repair shop or local community event. If repair is no longer an option, they should first consider
borrowing if their use of the product is minimal otherwise they should prefer buying second-hand
rather than new. If after consideration they are adamant to purchase a new one they should be
careful of green-washing and buy from companies who truly value sustainability.