The theory that says your smartphone is made to last a short time and force you to buy more

Could it be that your smartphone, car and other products are made on purpose with low quality materials to decompose soon?

The logic indicates that over the years, the technology and the different procedures that intervene in the manufacturing process of the electrical appliances that we use day after day not only make them more efficient, but also add in their utilitarian and physical benefits , as better materials that allow them to be more durable, extending their life beyond what is estimated.

However, in front of this logical reasoning, a thought arises that starts from the suspicion to doubt the real intention of the main manufacturers of consumer electronics: Could it be that my smartphone, the car and other products are made on purpose with materials from low quality to decompose soon?

Doubts are far from unfounded. Starting from an economic system where profit is the main motivation to offer products or services and at a point in history when technical progress surpasses itself day by day by leaps and bounds, it does not seem unreasonable to believe that objects have a expiration date less than they could have. This planned strategy is known as programmed obsolescence.

On paper, anyone would be willing to spend a little more to get a cell phone, a television or a car with high quality materials that will ensure their useful life for longer. Durability is a precious feature for the consumer, because it is synonymous with a good investment that lasts over time.

Televisions, washing machines and other appliances that have been fully operational for decades are examples commonly used by older people to highlight the level of obsolescence currently planned; However, durability is not on the list of priorities of these industries for obvious reasons: it is not the same to sell a smartphone destined to last 5 years than to offer a new annual version that renews its performance in memory capacity and operating system each medium year.

The technological argument for this rapid transition is evident. The speed at which the electronic consumables industry evolves is dizzying: in less than a year, a major software update can slow down the cell phone that twelve months ago was considered the most advanced in its class; while in the economic sphere, maintaining the occupation and a high level of sales are the main defenses of those who insure, programmed obsolescence does not exist or, it exists to a lesser extent and is necessary to maintain the pace of life of today.

How likely is it that this widespread popular notion is correct? In reality your smartphone and other devices are made to expire quickly?

The programmed obsolescence can not only be a mechanism to empty the pockets of the consumers periodically, it also means millions of annual tons of scrap that months ago seemed a valuable investment. In a world dangerously driven by profits, even the ecological argument is little to try to change the rules and work on sustainable, durable and environmentally friendly products.

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