Planned Obsolescence

The Phoebus cartel was an international cartel that controlled the manufacture and sale of light bulbs in much of Europe and North America between 1925 and 1939. The cartel monopolized market territories and intentionally reduced the useful life of light bulbs from 2,500 hours to just 1,000 hours to increase revenue. This practice is often cited as a classic example of planned obsolescence.

Various forms of planned obsolescence remain prevalent today. One common example is the perceived obsolescence of mobile phones, where companies regularly update the styling and features to entice customers into purchasing the latest models, even when their current devices are functional. Another example is the forced obsolescence of computer software, where users are unable to upgrade due to compatibility issues with outdated hardware or operating systems.

The fashion industry operates similarly, with clothes and shoes designed, manufactured, and marketed to encourage frequent replacement rather than durability. Consumer preferences and habits are skillfully manipulated to fuel mindless consumption, often under the guise of following trends or keeping up with social norms.

The traditional notion that buyers of high-end products "cry once," whereas buyers of lower-end products "keep crying" due to frequent replacements, has lost its relevance. The modern attraction to brands has overtaken considerations of quality, longevity, and comfort. Many branded items, while visually appealing and heavily marketed, can be unsustainable and uncomfortable, prioritizing flashiness over substance. This shift in focus reflects a broader trend where consumerism is driven by perception rather than practicality.