Why everything you buy is worse now

Vox
9 Feb 202308:01
EducationalLearning
32 Likes 10 Comments

TLDRThe video script addresses the issue of declining quality in consumer products, attributing it to the rise of planned obsolescence and consumer engineering. It explains how the balance between functionality, appearance, and manufacturability has shifted, leading to cheaper materials and less durable products. The script also discusses the rapid pace of technological advancements and their impact on consumer behavior, advocating for the right to repair and mindful purchasing to combat the throwaway culture.

Takeaways
  • 😕 Consumer products seem to be of lower quality now compared to a decade ago.
  • 👚 The example of a bra falling apart quickly highlights the issue of deteriorating product quality.
  • 🛍️ There's a trend of products like electronics and clothing breaking or wearing out faster than before.
  • 🔄 The design process of products has been disrupted, affecting functionality, appearance, and manufacturability.
  • 👔 Historically, clothes were tailored, then mass-produced, and now often purchased online without physical inspection.
  • 📈 The concept of 'planned obsolescence' or 'consumer engineering' was introduced in the 1930s to drive constant consumption.
  • 👗 Fast fashion and rapid trend cycles have led to more frequent buying and shorter product lifespans.
  • 💸 Consumers are reluctant to pay more for products that have increased in cost over time due to factors like rising labor costs.
  • 🏭 Manufacturers are pressured to produce low-cost goods quickly, which can result in inferior materials and construction.
  • 📱 The rapid advancement in technology has slowed, with companies making minor updates to drive continuous purchases.
  • 🛠️ Many modern products are difficult or impossible to repair due to lack of parts, tools, or information from manufacturers.
  • 🌐 There's a growing movement for the 'right to repair', with some legislative progress being made.
  • 🛍️ Consumers are encouraged to buy with intention, avoid fast fashion, and maintain the items they own.
  • 📝 The importance of reading care labels and treating objects as requiring maintenance is emphasized.
  • 🗺️ The Repair Association provides resources for consumers to advocate for their right to repair.
Q & A

  • What is the central issue discussed in the transcript?

    -The central issue discussed in the transcript is the decline in the quality and durability of products over the past decade, and the impact of consumer behavior and planned obsolescence on this trend.

  • What are the three main factors considered in the design process of a product according to the transcript?

    -The three main factors considered in the design process are functionality, appearance, and manufacturability.

  • How has the shift from tailor-made to mass-produced and online shopping affected product quality?

    -The shift has led to a focus on speed and cost-effectiveness in manufacturing, often at the expense of quality, contributing to the trend of products falling apart sooner than they used to.

  • Who is Ernest Elmo and what concept did he introduce in relation to consumer behavior?

    -Ernest Elmo is an individual from the 1930s who wrote a paper advocating for 'consumer engineering,' which is similar to the concept of planned obsolescence, encouraging consumers to replace items not because they are broken but because they are out of style.

  • What is the term used to describe the rapid cycle of consumer demand for new products and its implications?

    -The term used is 'planned obsolescence' or 'consumer engineering,' which refers to the strategy of designing products to become outdated or break after a certain period, prompting consumers to buy new ones.

  • How has the increase in online shopping and frequency of purchases changed consumer behavior?

    -The increase in online shopping and frequency of purchases has led to a culture where consumers are constantly seeking the next best thing, contributing to a fast-paced cycle of demand for low-cost products.

  • What impact has the desire for low-cost products had on manufacturing practices?

    -The desire for low-cost products has led manufacturers to swap out higher quality materials for cheaper alternatives and use simpler, less durable construction methods to keep production costs and retail prices low.

  • How does the transcript explain the shift in technology product cycles from major leaps to minor adjustments?

    -The transcript explains that as technology advanced, the major leaps in functionality between models decreased, and companies began making minor adjustments year over year to stimulate continuous consumer demand.

  • What is the 'right to repair' movement and how does it relate to the issues discussed in the transcript?

    -The 'right to repair' movement advocates for consumer rights to repair their own electronic devices or have them repaired by third parties, which counters the trend of products being intentionally difficult to repair, thus promoting longer product lifespans.

  • What advice does the transcript offer to consumers who want to combat the issues of planned obsolescence and poor product quality?

    -The transcript advises consumers to fight for the right to repair, avoid fast fashion and micro trends, buy with intention, take care of their possessions, and maintain their items according to care instructions.

  • How can consumers get involved in advocating for change as mentioned in the transcript?

    -Consumers can get involved by visiting the Repair Association's website, using the provided map to find their state, and using the letter writing widget to share their repair story and advocate for change.

Outlines
00:00
🛍️ The Decline in Product Quality and Consumer Behavior

The first paragraph discusses the perceived decline in the quality of products over the past decade. It starts with a personal anecdote about a bra that quickly fell apart, leading to a broader exploration of the issue. The speaker notes that items like coffee machines, phones, and computers now break or become obsolete sooner. They delve into the design process of products, which traditionally balanced functionality, appearance, and manufacturability. However, this balance has been disrupted in recent years due to factors like the rise of online shopping, the influence of consumer engineering as proposed by Ernest Elmo during the Great Depression, and the rapid pace of fashion trends. The paragraph also touches on how consumer demand for low-cost products has led to the production of goods with cheaper materials and less durable construction, contributing to the problem of planned obsolescence.

05:00
📱 The Evolution of Technology and its Impact on Durability

The second paragraph shifts the focus to technology, questioning why household appliances like washing machines seem to be of lesser quality. It contrasts the significant technological advancements of the past with the more incremental updates seen today. The speaker highlights how companies often make minor changes to products annually to encourage consumers to buy newer models, even though the improvements may not be substantial. The paragraph also addresses the difficulty of repairing modern technology due to the complexity of the devices and the lack of available repair tools, parts, and support from manufacturers. The speaker advocates for the right to repair and encourages consumers to be more intentional with their purchases, to take care of their belongings, and to maintain them properly. The paragraph concludes with a call to action, directing listeners to the Repair Association's website for resources on advocating for repair rights.

Mindmap
Keywords
💡Planned Obsolescence
Planned obsolescence refers to a strategy by manufacturers to design products with a limited lifespan, encouraging consumers to replace them more frequently. In the script, it is mentioned as 'consumer engineering' by Ernest Elmo during the Great Depression, and it ties into the theme of the video by illustrating how this concept has led to a culture of buying and discarding items more rapidly, contributing to the decline in product quality over time.
💡Consumer Engineering
Consumer engineering, as described by Ernest Elmo in the 1930s, is a term used to describe the manipulation of consumer behavior to create a desire for new products, even when the old ones are still functional. This concept is central to the video's message, as it explains how consumers are encouraged to buy new items based on style changes rather than necessity, which is a driver of the disposable nature of modern products.
💡Manufacturability
Manufacturability is the ease and cost-effectiveness of producing a product in large quantities. The script discusses how this factor, along with functionality and appearance, is considered during the design process. It is a key concept because it highlights how the drive for low-cost production can lead to compromises in product quality and durability.
💡Fast Fashion
Fast fashion is a term used to describe the rapid production and consumption of clothing, often characterized by low quality and low cost. The video uses this term to illustrate how the fashion industry contributes to the problem of declining product quality and the environmental impact of excessive consumption.
💡Micro Trends
Micro trends refer to small, short-lived fashion trends that quickly come and go. The script mentions that these trends influence consumers to frequently purchase new items to keep up with the latest styles, which is part of the broader issue of consumerism and the disposable nature of modern products.
💡Right to Repair
The right to repair is a consumer advocacy movement that seeks to give consumers the ability to repair their own electronic devices or have them repaired by third parties. The script discusses this as a positive step towards reducing electronic waste and promoting product longevity, with New York State passing a related bill in 2022.
💡Repair Association
The Repair Association is a consumer advocacy group that lobbies for the right to repair and against the practice of planned obsolescence. The video mentions this organization as part of the solution to the problem of unrepairable and quickly obsolete technology.
💡Technological Leaps
Technological leaps refer to significant advancements in technology that result in major improvements in device capabilities. The script contrasts the major leaps of the past with the minor adjustments made in more recent product iterations, suggesting that the pace of innovation has slowed and companies are focusing on minor updates to drive sales rather than substantial improvements.
💡Intentional Buying
Intentional buying is the practice of making conscious decisions about purchases, considering factors such as quality, durability, and need, rather than impulse buying. The video encourages this approach as a way to combat the negative effects of consumerism and planned obsolescence.
💡Product Maintenance
Product maintenance refers to the care and upkeep required to prolong the life of a product. The script suggests that consumers should view their possessions as items that require maintenance, reading care labels and treating them with care to extend their lifespan, as a way to resist the throwaway culture.
💡Cultural Shift
Cultural shift is the process of changing societal norms and behaviors over time. The video implies that a cultural shift is necessary to move away from a consumerist mindset and towards a more sustainable and mindful approach to purchasing and using products.
Highlights

The observation that the quality of products has declined over the past decade compared to 10 years ago.

The anecdotal evidence of products like bras, coffee machines, phones, and computers deteriorating faster than before.

The basic design process of a product considering functionality, appearance, and manufacturability.

The historical shift from tailor-made to mass-produced and now online shopping for clothes.

The concept of planned obsolescence introduced by Ernest Elmo during the Great Depression.

The psychological impact of consumer engineering on buying behavior and the desire for the latest trends.

The increase in clothing purchases and the decrease in the lifespan of each item according to the UN report.

The reluctance of consumers to pay more for products that have become outdated but are functionally the same.

The pressure on companies to produce low-cost products quickly to meet consumer demand.

The trade-offs companies make in materials and manufacturing to maintain low prices.

The historical context of technological advancements and the need for frequent upgrades.

The shift from significant technological leaps to minor adjustments in newer models of tech products.

The intentional design of modern devices to be difficult or impossible to repair.

The challenges consumers face with the lack of repairability of devices containing computer chips or circuit boards.

The advocacy for the right to repair and the passing of the right to repair bill in New York State.

Strategies for consumers to combat fast fashion and planned obsolescence by buying with intention and maintaining items.

The empowerment of consumers to take control of their purchasing and repair processes.

The Repair Association's efforts to facilitate consumer engagement and advocacy for repair rights.

Transcripts

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Related Tags
ConsumerismProduct QualitySustainabilityPlanned ObsolescenceFast FashionTechnology TrendsRight to RepairCultural ShiftEconomic ImpactConsumer Behavior