WHAT IS BUILT IN OBSOLESCENCE ?

Planned Obsolescence Advantages & Disadvantages

by Patrick Gleeson, Ph. D.,

Planned obsolescence is the practice of producing consumer goods requiring frequent replacement. A manufacturer may use materials that won't last, or may discontinue supplying spare parts needed for product repairs. But there may be no physical reason at all. The manufacturer simply may present a consumer product that is superceded by a newer object, prompting consumers to find the older object displeasing. In this sense, obsolescence may reside not only in the manufacturer's choices, but also in the consumer's state of mind.