Is the mobile phone that you bought for yourself as an expensive birthday gift last year a little slower this year?
Software updates disable old hardware after a certain period of time. This situation, defined as planned obsolescence, has been detected by some users, but manufacturers do not accept it directly or with this definition.
However, it does not take long for new models to be introduced to replace outdated devices, so manufacturers can ensure that the newest and most up-to-date devices are sold.
There are different opinions in different circles as to whether this rapid change and development of technology is a natural evolution or to put it more in marketing terms, a perception of obsolescence that keeps the industry alive. Technology is starting to age faster than expected, as technical boundaries are less restrictive than before, the horizons of the software world are expanding, artificial intelligence is included in production, security concerns and the expectation of always being better come together.
Perhaps the issue that needs to be discussed is what we lose from being so fast in technology and how this can be managed. While technological products with shorter lifespans strain our budget, the remaining electronic waste continues to be a serious problem.
Continuing to use it after updating and making the necessary repairs is not enough to slow down the aging rate of technology. Manufacturers must turn to more sustainable designs, consumers must turn to the most durable rather than the newest, and the system must encourage this balance.
The real problem here is not the technology itself, but how we use it and our consumption habits…
Technological aging and forms of technological aging
The best definition of technological aging is when a device is as useful as it used to be.
You can simply tell that your device is getting old: its battery starts to drain faster, it doesn’t process as quickly as it used to, a part or software inside becomes obsolete, disrupting your use of the device, and eventually it stops performing the task expected of it.
This is the tangible, visible and physical form of aging, also known as technical aging.
In some cases, the device is working as it should, but its environment has changed. Newly developed applications cannot be installed on them or do not work even if they are installed, the operating system does not receive new updates, or security patches against current threats are no longer sent.
This is more perceptual than tangible, and although the device works, it feels older due to the features offered in new models.
Another obvious form of aging has to do with design. Changes to colors, shapes, and user experience with each new operating system version make the previous interface and user experience feel outdated.
Some manufacturers deliberately shorten the lifespan of their products, discontinue software support, or use manufacturing techniques that make repairs difficult.
When we put all this together, we have a hard time understanding whether the device we have and the technology in it are really old or whether we are made to feel that way.
Why does technology become obsolete?
The most important reason for the rapid obsolescence of technology is the increasing rate of renewal.
Both the software and hardware sides are improving significantly every year, but new features are released gradually, not suddenly. This makes devices that are still functioning seem lagging behind. A pristine product loses its appeal next to newer-looking, faster and more powerful alternatives.
On the other hand, technology is becoming more dependent on software every day. The phones, computers and even internet-connected home appliances we use, such as refrigerators and vacuum cleaners, receive regular software updates.
When updates for these devices are stopped, even if the devices work, some current applications do not work on these devices, new security risks arise, and the performance of the products decreases. In this case, the device actually becomes obsolete and remains outside the current ecosystem.
Consumer habits and marketing campaigns are another important factor that rapidly ages technology. If you have noticed, advertisements always highlight the best, fastest and best. In addition, some brands implement production strategies that encourage product replacement more frequently.
The first examples that can be given in this regard are the difficulty in replacing the battery of the device, the difficulty in repairing it, the low availability of spare parts, and the discontinuation of software support. Add to this new security practices, cost pressures and manufacturing preferences, and technology is aging faster than it should.
What are the effects of rapidly obsolete technology?
We primarily feel technological obsolescence in our budget. New devices are really expensive, and as we have to change devices more frequently, we have to spend more money on new technology.
Products with a short lifespan cause more electronic waste to be generated. The recycling rate of obsolete devices is low, so the pressure on the environment is a serious problem.
The social consequences of rapid technology obsolescence are at least as important as the economic ones.
Increasing prices due to developing technology make it difficult for all segments of society to access the same technology at the same time and highlights the gap between digital products and those who can access these products.
Those who cannot allocate enough budget for a new technology are stuck with older and weaker security devices. While devices with no software and security support become more risky, people’s ability to adapt to technology weakens due to the shortened innovation cycle.
As a result, technology is advancing, yes, but only for a certain segment of people; Advances in technology do not provide real benefits to all segments of society.
What metrics can we use when measuring the aging rate of technology?
A single metric and number is not enough to determine how quickly technology is aging. Because the lifespan of the technological devices we use depends not only on when they break down, but also on how long they remain up-to-date and even when the user wants to change it.
If we still want to get somewhere about the aging of technology, we can look at both user habits and how long products actually last.
- Software support: Determines how many years the device will receive updates and remain secure.
- How long do people keep this device?
- Is the product easily repairable, how is the availability of spare parts?
Another important indicator is the waste remaining from the devices and the second-hand value of the product. When you stop using a device, where will it go? Can someone else use it or should it go straight to the waste bin?
There is a direct proportion between the increase in the amount of electronic waste and technology consumption. On the other hand, adding second-hand value to the products and renewing them and reselling them is the most important indicator that some devices are still useful.
What can be done to prevent rapid aging of technology?
- Manufacturers should clearly state how long they will provide updates after selling a device.
- Repair and maintenance of devices should be facilitated, spare parts availability should be high, and clear repair manuals should be published.
- Models such as leasing, repurchase and renewal should be developed and become widespread.
- It should be clear which part of the device will last for how long and how spare parts can be obtained.
- Lawmakers should protect users’ rights to have their devices repaired and take initiatives to change the behavior of purchasing a new product when it breaks.
- Disposal of unused and idle electronic waste should be governed by rules.
- Warranty periods should be determined by taking into account the actual life of the products.
- More durable and highly repairable products should be preferred in public procurement.
- When purchasing a device, not only the label price but also how long the product can be used should be taken into consideration.
- Devices with higher repairability should be preferred.
The approach adopted in product design these days is generally short-term use of the product. This needs to be reversed.
The circular approach in economics prioritizes the repair, renewal and reuse of a device as a whole or its parts. This both prevents waste of resources and naturally extends the life of the technology.
The software side has a great responsibility in delaying the aging of technology. Old devices should not be excluded when developing new versions of software, and the incentive to replace devices while they are still working should not be encouraged just because of their software…
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