How to combat psychological obsolescence?
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Fashions pass and are an eternal new beginning, isn't it. It's almost the same when we talk of digital devices except that they never go back in fashion. That's what we call obsolescence, whether perceived, aesthetic or even psychological.
Les electronic devices Who pays for it are still working very well but they are seen as outdated, not Not working as fast than the latest models and with less advanced features.
According to ADEME, 88% of people separate themselves from a device that is still in working condition, even though it has never broken down.
It's not just about our phones or computers, but all electronic devices in general, such as fridges, washing machines...
You will have understood it, perceived or psychological obsolescence is not just about technical problems and aging devices.
What is obsolescence?
Obsolescence is the fact that a device becomes outdated or perceived as non-functional.
It is planned obsolescence that we hear about most often. And for good reason. Considered as a crime since 2015, this practice is punishable by 2 years in prison and a fine of 300,000 euros.
Today, however, there is a broad typology of obsolescence which make it difficult to punish the actors responsible for them.
The different types
Direct obsolescence or planned obsolescence
Undoubtedly the most publicized, Planned obsolescence, also called direct obsolescence, is implemented by manufacturers and aims to make devices obsolete after a certain period of time, and this in a totally voluntary.
Why does the obsolescence of a product exist? Simply for push for the purchase of a new product.
Indirect obsolescence
More subtle, indirect obsolescence does not affect the device in its components. The latter can no longer be used because different associated products are no longer functional or difficult to find.
The most telling example concerns Phone chargers Apple that change very regularly and cannot be used on older generations.
It's the same whenAn application becomes so energy-intensive and heavy for the current system on the tool that it is necessary to change equipment to support it.
Obsolescence due to incompatibility
Even more frustrating, this obsolescence is often encountered when we keep our digital devices for quite a long time.
This happens when the new operating systems cannot be installed lack of operating system accounting.
Perceived, aesthetic or psychological obsolescence
Perceived obsolescence, also called aesthetic, cultural or psychological is undoubtedly the most difficult to get around, because it was born from a ever more aggressive marketing.
It is simply the users who make their devices obsolete because they want to get rid of them, even before their end of technical life.
The reasons are multiple:
- aesthetics : the device simply no longer pleases;
- Technological : it does not have the latest high-tech criteria in fashion;
- Social : we want to have the same device as all the people around us.
More than half of the users making this choice have in their drawers phones that are still functional.
This psychological obsolescence is becoming more and more rapid, it follows the frenetic pace of the release of new devices imposed by some big brands.
Apple went from having a new phone every 12 months to almost One release per quarter, that is, every 4 and a half months. Instead of one phone per year, we go to 3. The difference is huge.
Samsung went from having a new device every 12 months to 6 months and now going down to 3 months. That's 4 new phones per year!
3 ways to combat psychological obsolescence
1. Questioning overconsumption
First thing you need to do: highlight environmental and social issues that this incessant renewal produces.
This perceived obsolescence has serious consequences since it is the manufacture and end of life of the devices that emit the most greenhouse gases.
Being informed about the ecological consequences of such acts makes it possible to rThink twice before buying new devices.
And there's no point in wanting Plant trees to offset related emissions to these purchases, because the core of the problem lies in pollution related to manufacturing and the end of life.
2. Reviewing your needs
According to a survey requested by Back Market in 2016 and conducted by OpinionWay in 2016, there is”100 million phones sleeping in our drawers” while they are still in working condition.
It is important to ask yourself the following questions to get out of this aesthetic obsolescence:
- Do I have Really need of a new device?
- Am I Can repair or have it repaired the one I use?
- Is it A need or a desire to have the latest trendy tool?
3. Show the benefits of refurbished
If you answered yes to any of these questions, you don't have to buy something new. There are lots of refurbished computers, telephones, and all sorts of electronic devices out there.
To get out of this psychological obsolescence, the best thing is to opt for this solution, which has only advantages:
- one lower financial cost ;
- The life extension digital devices;
- one lower environmental and social impact.
Whether for professional computer equipment or for your personal use, the refurbished solution is becoming more and more popular because it is part of a circular economy approach.
Conclusion
Aesthetic or perceived obsolescence cannot be considered as a misdemeanor because it is considered that the consumer bears a part of the responsibility in this phenomenon.
However, several simple actions would make it possible to reduce this psychological obsolescence :
- the Slowdown in the pace of releases new products;
- The facilitating repair or the technical extension of the devices;
- optimizing the circulation of replaced products for final recycling.
Do you want to renew your IT fleet without buying a new one? Let's discuss your project together.
Sources:
Aesthetic or psychological obsolescence
The champions of planned obsolescence... psychological -
Even more dangerous than planned obsolescence: do you know about cultural obsolescence?
Apple and Samsung, champions of planned obsolescence for consumers
What is software obsolescence? - HOP