Fast-forward a handful of decades, and now several generations of people are conditioned to buy the new thing and to keep replacing it.

Source: From clothes to tech, why is everything so poorly made? – Vox

The above is one of the best pieces of journalism I have seen in years. Seriously. Read the entire article.

Business has long relied on a growing population.

Now that the younger cohorts are shrinking, what to do?

Planned obsolescence via:

  • difficult to repair products (Apple is famous for using proprietary screws that require purchase of special tools – or glue and hard to take apart – as one example)
  • products made in such a way they fail sooner
  • use of plastic and glue instead of hard materials and screws, leading to quicker product failure and inability to repair
  • persuading customers they need “the latest” model. Social media and influencers play a key role in this.
Coldstreams