programmed obsolescence

What are some of the advantages and disadvantages?

Planned Obsolescence: A controversial practice

Companies are motivated to develop improved products to stay competitive

BOOSTS Innovation

Companies stimulate demand for new products thereby spurring job creation

economic growth

Against

For

Companies may focus on designing products that will quickly need to be replaced, hindering progress in certain industries

Limits innovation

Planned obsolescence contributes to a throwaway culture

Ethical concerns

Consumers may need to purchase replacement products more frequently than necessary

Economic inefficiency

Disposing of products with a short lifespan can contribute to environmental problems

Environmental harm

When products fail prematurely, consumers may feel frustrated, damaging brand loyalty and reducing trust.

Consumer dissatisfaction

Manufacturers can reduce the cost of production by using lower-quality materials or components

affordability

Manufacturers can use more eco-friendly materials in designing products with a shorter lifespan

sustainability

When products are designed to have a limited lifespan, consumers are more likely to dispose of them properly

recycling