The Dark Side of Light Bulbs: Planned Obsolescence and the Phoebus Cartel

💡The Phoebus Cartel, formed in the 1920s, intentionally shortened the lifespan of light bulbs to increase sales and profit margins.

⏰By 1934, the average lifespan of light bulbs decreased to 1,205 hours due to the practices of the Phoebus Cartel.

💸Planned obsolescence, the intentional shortening of product lifespan, is still practiced by companies today to drive sales and increase profit.

🔧Proposed legislation for the right to repair aims to make it easier for consumers to repair their products, challenging the practice of planned obsolescence.

📱Companies like Apple have faced backlash for practices that shorten the lifespan of their products, such as battery throttling.

What was the purpose of the Phoebus Cartel?

—The Phoebus Cartel aimed to control the world supply of light bulbs by intentionally shortening their lifespan, increasing sales and profit margins.

Is planned obsolescence still practiced today?

—Yes, many companies intentionally shorten the lifespan of their products to drive sales and encourage consumers to buy newer versions.

What is the right to repair?

—The right to repair is a proposed legislation that aims to make it easier for consumers to repair their products by providing access to information and parts.

Why do companies practice planned obsolescence?

—Planned obsolescence allows companies to generate more revenue by encouraging consumers to buy new products more frequently.

What are some examples of planned obsolescence?

—Examples of planned obsolescence include software updates that slow down older devices and products with non-replaceable batteries.

06:37The Phoebus Cartel, formed in the 1920s, intentionally shortened the lifespan of light bulbs to increase sales and profit margins.

11:32Planned obsolescence, the intentional shortening of product lifespan, is still practiced by companies today to drive sales and increase profit.

13:34Proposed legislation for the right to repair aims to make it easier for consumers to repair their products, challenging the practice of planned obsolescence.

14:18Companies like Apple have faced backlash for practices that shorten the lifespan of their products, such as battery throttling.