WHY MODERN PRODUCTS HAVE SHORTER LIFESPANS

In California, a light bulb has been radiantly illuminating since 1901. Originally a 30-watt lamp, this remarkable fixture now emits a warm and cozy glow akin to a 4-watt night light. Its origin lies with French inventor Adolf Chaya, who crafted this hand-blown carbon filament bulb in the late 1890s. The bulb's journey took an intriguing turn when its owner donated it to the local fire department. Since then, it has rarely been turned off, rightfully earning the title of the world's longest-lasting light bulb. Now, let's delve into the topic of the lifespan of modern equivalents. The longevity varies based on the brand, technology, and type. Present-day bulbs can persist for over 20,000 hours. Despite technological advancements and progress, it's surprising that a light bulb from two centuries ago was more durable than recent iterations. This discrepancy extends beyond light bulbs – it seems that most products we acquire today tend to deteriorate faster than they used to. This phenomenon is due to something known as planned obsolescence. This practice involves companies deliberately designing products to degrade quickly or become obsolete within a short period. The ulterior motive is to encourage consumers to purchase new items or upgrades. Certain countries have taken measures to outlaw this practice due to its unfavorable consequences.

The concept of planned obsolescence can be traced back to the automotive industry in the United States in 1924. Alfred P. Sloan Jr., an executive at General Motors, proposed introducing new car models each year to maintain consistent sales. This strategy thrives when a company holds a monopoly or has limited competition. Before implementing this tactic, companies need assurance that consumers will return for replacements based on brand loyalty. Interestingly, manufacturers are aware of the designed lifespan of their products, a fact concealed from consumers.

Planned obsolescence comes in various forms. Systemic planned obsolescence emerges when products become incompatible with updated technology, rendering them obsolete. Perceived obsolescence involves altering the perception around a product, often through changing styles or appearances. Dated obsolescence involves products that cease functioning or are deactivated after a predetermined time, coercing consumers into purchasing new versions.

Another form is legal planned obsolescence, where laws restrict the use of certain products. Some items are designed to be irreparable, preventing users from fixing broken electronics by making them difficult to open or replace components. Additionally, products can be intentionally designed with inferior materials that degrade rapidly. Non-replaceable batteries in devices contribute to the issue, forcing consumers to buy entirely new products when batteries fail.

This phenomenon extends to clothing, where older vintage pieces tend to endure longer than contemporary counterparts. A recent study exposed intentional manufacturing of delicate women's tights that succumb to damage after just a few uses. This prompts consumers to buy replacements frequently. Factors such as poor quality fabrics and additives contribute to the decline in durability.

The evolution of the clothing industry has been influenced by technological advancements, changes in consumer behavior, and manufacturing practices. Traditional natural materials have been replaced by synthetic ones, leading to concerns about longevity. Fast fashion, marked by inexpensive and short-lived garments, has become prominent. However, a growing movement toward sustainable and ethical fashion emphasizes durability and quality, countering the trend of planned obsolescence.

In the automotive sector, newer vehicles are experiencing breakdowns that encompass not only traditional mechanical issues but also electronics, climate control systems, and entertainment units. Tech-related problems aren't exclusive to automobiles, as Apple acknowledged deliberately slowing down iPhones. Household appliances, like refrigerators, now encounter compressor and door-related issues.

Despite these challenges, there's a positive side to this issue. Some products are intentionally designed to have shorter lifespans to benefit the environment. For instance, seaweed bags replace plastic bags, and dissolvable tea bags offer eco-friendly alternatives. Edible water containers and spoons, as well as detergent pods and toothpaste tablets, exemplify innovative solutions aimed at reducing waste.

In conclusion, the trend of planned obsolescence has led to products with shorter lifespans in the modern era. This practice, driven by various motives, results in both benefits and drawbacks for manufacturers and consumers alike. While certain products may have intentionally limited lifespans, there's a growing movement towards sustainability and durability in various industries.