Question of the Day #1211

FROM LIGHTBULBS TO SMARTPHONES: THE PRACTICE OF PLANNED OBSOLESCENCE

From the headline of this article at Population Matters.

  上記の文で、planned obsolescenceの意味は？
In the sentence above, what does "planned obsolescence" mean?

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Write your answer in the Comments.

明日、ここに答えを書きます。
I will add the answer and other remarks here tomorrow.

 

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解答

意味：
英辞郎によると、

計画的旧式化［陳腐化］◆メーカーが商品の寿命を意図的に短く設定して製造・販売すること。計画した販売期間が過ぎると、改良版または機能追加版を発売し、消費者に商品を買い替えさせて利益を得る。

なお、built-in obsolescenceということもあります。

 

Answer

According to Merriam-Webster:

the practice of making or designing something (such as a car) in such a way that it will only be usable for a short time so that people will have to buy another one

 

Examples

1. Critics allege that smartphone makers are the latest to follow the trend of planned obsolescence, or the claim that manufacturers deliberately design their products with a short shelf life to encourage consumers to buy the latest model. — Lionel Lim, Fortune, 29 Nov. 2023
2. In the digital age of planned obsolescence, that’s very significant. — Kevin Leblanc, ELLE, 14 Feb. 2023
3. The fashion industry’s business model is one based upon planned obsolescence. — Pamela N. Danziger, Forbes, 5 July 2022
4. Critics of planned obsolescence call it wasteful and dishonest, while supporters say that it is good for the economy.
5. They claim that a market structure of planned obsolescence and rapid innovation may be preferred to long-lasting products and slow innovation.

   

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