chapter 8 - built in obsolescence

Question 1

what’s built in obsolescence ?

Answer 1

when some products are designed to stop working after a certain period of time

Question 2

evidence of built in obsolescence :

Answer 2

computer software and hardware; where companies will stop providing support& spare parts for older versions in an effort to make consumers by new updated versions .

Question 3

how do manufacturers ensure built in obsolescence ?

Answer 3

they sometimes use inferior/ less expensive components in their products to ensure they only work for a certain amount of time .

Question 4

pros of built in obsolescence (2)

Answer 4

• when a product stops working the consumer often buys a new one so the manufacturers make money.
• new improve / more expensive products brought into the market so consumer replaces outdated products so the manufacturers make money.

Question 5

cons of built in obsolescence (3)

Answer 5

• sometimes consumers replace outdated product from a different manufacturer
• consumers spend money replacing the products
• broken/ outdated products can end up in land full sites