Prompt Cast
The History and Impact of Planned Obsolescence on the Consumer Economy
TLDR This episode explores the history of planned obsolescence, from the intentional reduction of light bulb lifespan by the Phoebus Cartel to Alfred P. Sloan's revolutionizing of the car industry through constantly changing aesthetics. It also discusses the controversy surrounding Apple's iPhone and the power of psychological obsolescence.
Timestamped Summary
00:00
The episode explores the history of planned obsolescence and its impact on the consumer economy.
04:21
The story begins with a group of book nerds in Germany who were obsessed with Thomas Pynchon's novel Gravity's Rainbow, particularly a story within the book about an eternal light bulb that is being targeted by light bulb manufacturers.
08:29
The story explores the history of the light bulb market, from the early days of durable bulbs to the consolidation of power by big companies in the 1920s, leading to the formation of the Phoebus Cartel.
12:40
In 1924, the Phoebus Cartel was formed by light bulb companies to intentionally reduce the lifespan of light bulbs from 2000 hours to 1000 hours in order to increase sales, and they were successful in achieving this goal.
16:57
The Phoebus cartel helped standardize incandescent light bulbs and sockets, but it eventually fell apart due to legal trouble and the outbreak of World War II, although they were successful in implementing planned obsolescence.
21:01
Alfred P. Sloan, an electrical engineer and businessman, revolutionized the car industry by introducing different makes and models, targeting women as consumers, and emphasizing aesthetics and superficial features to encourage people to buy a new car every year.
25:06
Alfred Sloan revolutionized the car industry by making cars psychologically obsolete through constantly changing aesthetics and creating a desire for the newest model.
29:35
Apple's iPhone is a prime example of planned obsolescence, with controversy surrounding the company's decision to slow down older phones and potentially drive upgrades, although it remains uncertain if this was intentional or not.
33:09
Psychological obsolescence is the most powerful kind of obsolescence because we choose it ourselves and cannot stop it, according to Sally Helm from NPR's podcast, Planet Money.
Categories:
History
Society & Culture
