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Inspired by Veritasium, we explore the surprising science and physics behind "planned obsolescence," the deliberate shortening of product lifespans, from light bulbs to smartphones. |
Why can't our products last? Inspired by Veritasium, we delve into the science and physics of "planned obsolescence," revealing how design and market forces intentionally limit product lifespans.........
How planned obsolescence shortens the lifespan of products like light bulbs and smartphones — inspired by Veritasium.
The yearning for durable, long-lasting goods seems inherent. We appreciate a car that runs reliably for years, a phone that withstands the test of time, and a light bulb that never burns out. Yet, as Veritasium often illuminates, the intersection of science, physics, and market forces can lead to unexpected outcomes. Consider the tale of the Livermore fire station's light bulb, burning continuously for over a century since 1901. This remarkable feat of early 20th-century engineering stands in stark contrast to the intended lifespan of most modern light bulbs. A widely circulated story, one that initially seemed outlandish, suggests that the deliberate creation of products with limited lifespans isn't accidental but rather a strategic business model. The notion of an "everlasting light bulb" being suppressed for economic reasons challenges our assumptions about technological progress. Could it be that advancements in science and physics were once geared towards longevity, only to be redirected towards a cycle of continuous consumption? This exploration, viewed through a Veritasium lens, delves into the intriguing and sometimes unsettling reality of "planned obsolescence," where the principles of science and physics, coupled with economic strategies, shape the lifespan of the products we use every day.
The Incandescent Dawn and the Promise of Longevity
The science behind early incandescent light bulbs, like the one still glowing in Livermore, involved passing an electric current through a filament, causing it to heat up to incandescence and emit light. However, this process was inherently inefficient; less than 5% of the electrical energy was converted to light, with the remaining 95% lost as heat. The high operating temperatures, reaching thousands of degrees Kelvin, placed significant stress on the filament material. Early inventors, like Thomas Edison, experimented with various materials, eventually settling on tungsten for its high melting point. By the early 1920s, advancements in materials science and vacuum technology led to average bulb lifespans approaching 2,000 to 2,500 hours. It appeared that the physics of light emission was gradually being harnessed to create more durable illumination.
The Phoebus Cartel: Engineering Shorter Lifespans
However, this trajectory of increasing longevity took an unexpected turn. In Geneva, Switzerland, in 1924, a clandestine meeting convened top executives from leading global light bulb manufacturers, including Phillips, General Electric, and OSRAM. This assembly formed the "Phoebus Cartel," named after the Greek god of light. Their seemingly counterintuitive agreement? To collectively reduce the lifespan of their light bulbs to a standardized 1,000 hours, effectively halving the existing average.
The motivation behind this cartel was purely economic. Longer-lasting light bulbs were detrimental to sales. If a bulb lasted indefinitely, the market would eventually become saturated. To enforce this 1,000-hour limit, a system of quality control and penalties was established. Member companies submitted sample bulbs for rigorous testing. Bulbs significantly exceeding the agreed-upon lifespan incurred fines. The very engineers who had previously strived to extend bulb life were now tasked with finding ways to shorten it, experimenting with different filament materials, shapes, and thinner connections. Data from the cartel era indeed shows a decline in average bulb lifespan. While the cartel publicly claimed its aim was standardization and efficiency, the evidence strongly suggests a deliberate strategy to boost sales and profits at the expense of consumers. The Livermore bulb's longevity, therefore, can be attributed partly to its pre-cartel manufacturing and its operation at a low power output, minimizing the thermal stress dictated by the physics of its function.
The Legacy of Planned Obsolescence: Beyond Light Bulbs
Though the Phoebus Cartel eventually dissolved, its underlying principle – intentionally limiting product lifespan – persisted and evolved into what is now known as "planned obsolescence." This concept extends far beyond light bulbs, permeating various industries. Casey Neistat's early viral video highlighted Apple's practices regarding iPod battery life, suggesting a similar strategy of encouraging replacement over repair. Subsequent instances, such as the performance throttling of older iPhones after software updates, further fueled the debate around planned obsolescence in consumer electronics. While companies often frame such measures as necessary for device performance or battery protection, critics argue they are designed to incentivize upgrades to newer models.
Interestingly, the idea of artificial obsolescence isn't solely rooted in corporate greed. During the Great Depression, some economists even proposed mandatory planned obsolescence as a means to stimulate demand and create employment. The 1951 film "The Man in the White Suit" satirically explored the potential societal disruption caused by a truly durable product.
The science and physics of materials and engineering provide the means to create longer-lasting products. The shift towards shorter lifespans is often a strategic economic decision, leveraging design and market trends to encourage a cycle of consumption.
The Consumer Pushback and the Promise of Right to Repair
Consumers are increasingly pushing back against planned obsolescence. The "right to repair" movement, gaining traction in the European Union and numerous US states, advocates for legislation requiring manufacturers to make it easier for consumers and independent shops to repair their devices. This includes providing access to parts, tools, and repair information. If such laws become widespread, they could potentially curb some forms of artificial obsolescence driven by repair limitations.
The Unseen Obsolescence: Fashion and Perceived Value
However, even with the right to repair, manufacturers possess another powerful tool for driving consumption: design and styling. As seen in the automotive industry with General Motors' introduction of annual model changes and color options, and later adopted by the consumer electronics industry, particularly with smartphones, perceived obsolescence plays a significant role. While the underlying physics and science of a device might not change drastically from year to year, new designs, colors, and incremental feature updates create a sense of being outdated, prompting consumers to upgrade. This "dynamic obsolescence," as it was termed in the automotive industry, taps into social and psychological factors rather than inherent product limitations.
A Brighter Future? The Efficiency of New Technologies
Interestingly, in the realm of lighting, we seem to be circling back towards longer lifespans, driven by technological advancements rather than planned obsolescence. The transition from inefficient incandescent bulbs to compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) and now to LEDs has brought about a significant increase in energy efficiency and longevity. LEDs, utilizing semiconductor physics to directly emit light, consume a fraction of the energy of incandescent bulbs and can last tens of thousands of hours. In essence, modern LED science and physics are delivering what approaches an "everlasting light bulb," not as a suppressed invention, but as a natural consequence of technological progress.
The story of planned obsolescence, from the deliberate shortening of light bulb lifespans to the subtle pressures of design in consumer electronics, reveals a complex interplay between science, physics, economics, and consumer behavior. As Veritasium often demonstrates, understanding the forces at play behind the technologies we use requires looking beyond the surface and examining the underlying principles and motivations that shape their creation and lifespan.
Frequently Asked Questions: Understanding Planned Obsolescence
Q: What is deliberate obsolescence?
A: Planned obsolescence is a business strategy where products are intentionally designed to have a limited useful life, so consumers will need to buy them again.
Q: Why do companies practice planned obsolescence?
A: The primary driver is economic. By shortening product lifespans, companies aim to increase sales and revenue over time.
Q: What are some examples of planned obsolescence?
A: Examples include the Phoebus Cartel's reduction of light bulb lifespans, some argue Apple's slowing down of older iPhones with software updates, and the fashion industry's rapid style changes.
Q: Is deliberate obsolescence ethical?
A: The ethics of planned obsolescence are widely debated. Critics argue it leads to unnecessary waste and consumer expense, while proponents sometimes suggest it drives innovation and economic activity.
Q: How does science and physics relate to planned obsolescence?
A: Science and physics dictate the potential lifespan of products. Planned obsolescence involves not fully utilizing this potential for strategic reasons, sometimes by using less durable materials or designs.
Q: What is the "right to repair" movement?
A: The "right to repair" is a consumer advocacy movement pushing for laws that require manufacturers to make their products easier to repair by consumers and independent shops. This aims to counter some aspects of planned obsolescence.
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