We all experience it. We finally pony-up to buy the latest iPhone or Android, feel an instant sense of gratification, but have our excitement dampened by news that a newer and more superior version is being released in a few short weeks. Early adopters begin unfolding lawn chairs in front of their local Best Buy.
This experience is credited to a phenomenon known as technological obsolescence. The term references a devaluation or functional decline of hardware, software, or systems when they are replaced by newer, more advanced, or more efficient alternatives. It occurs when products are no longer needed, supported, or compatible with modern standards. It is accelerated by planned obsolescence, which is a supposed business model of designing products with limited lifespans to drive upgrades (and consumer spending). While evident in products ranging from laptops and desktop computers to printers and televisions, it is perhaps most prevalent in smartphone design.
Planned obsolescence was initially chalked-up by many as being a conspiracy theory, until in December of 2017, Apple admitted to intentionally slowing down older iPhone models (iPhone 6, 6S, 7, and SE) through software updates. Apple claimed this was done to manage power demands from aging batteries to prevent unexpected shutdowns, not to force upgrades. The company later apologized, offered discounted battery replacements, and settled lawsuits to the tune of hundreds of millions of dollars. The year before Batterygate, BBC ran a feature on whether a not consumers were being targeted by Big Tech to engage in an endless cycle of upgrade purchases. The article indicated that the blame may be shared between the two:
“So is this conspiracy theory true? Does planned obsolescence really exist? The answer: yes, but with caveats. Beyond the crude caricature of greedy companies wantonly fleecing their customers, the practice does have silver linings. To an extent, planned obsolescence is an inevitable consequence of sustainable businesses giving people goods they desire. In this way, planned obsolescence serves as a reflection of a ravenous, consumer culture which industries did create for their benefit, yet were hardly alone in doing so. ‘Fundamentally, firms are reacting to the tastes of the consumers,’ says Judith Chevalier, a professor of finance and economics at Yale University. ‘I think there are some avenues where [businesses] are kind of tricking the consumer, but I think there are also situations where I might put the fault on the consumer.'” (BBC)
The debate over smartphone planned obsolescence being the Big Tech embodiment of Mr. Burns, or a phenomenon driven by unrelenting consumer demand for shiny new objects (likely some combination), is one to be had on some other platform. What we at Kindbridge want to draw the reader’s attention to, is how it factors into unhealthy, potentially addictive, behavior. With increased awareness, vulnerable populations learn to become more mindful of how their mental/behavioral health intersects with smartphone technology. Please keep reading.
Overview of How Smartphone Planned Obsolescence May Contribute to Unhealthy Behavior for Vulnerable Persons
I. PROMOTING UNHEALTHY BEHAVIOR
Facilitates Forced Habit of Dependence
Smartphone obsolescence establishes a behavioral pattern where an action (purchasing a new model) that was initially chosen voluntarily, becomes an involuntary, automatic, and necessary routine that a person feels compelled to perform, often despite negative consequences such as spending beyond their means. It represents the transition point where a repeated action (habit) matures into a physical or psychological reliance (dependence), commonly referred to as addiction. The concern is fueled by when individuals rely on their phones for constant stimulation. When an old device fails to provide the quick and reliable dopamine-rush that their brain is accustomed to, it craves stimulation that only a new device may deliver.
Anxiety Related to FOMO
Even if an iPhone or Android doesn’t become outright obsolete (e.g. apps stop working on the device, etc.), those who do not upgrade to the latest version may feel disconnected from social groups who enjoy the new bells-and-whistles of upgraded hardware/software. Peers in classrooms, lectures halls, workplaces, and other spaces where people gather, talk about their new toys, with many sharing their purchases and user-experiences on social media. A fear of missing out (FOMO) among those who initially abstain ensues, with strong feelings of anxiety driving them to purchase the newest model even when it may not be financially and environmentally responsible. It should come as no surprise to find that FOMO and anxiety related to smartphone obsolescence is most commonly observed in youth and young adults who are more likely to succumb to real or perceived peer pressure.
Anxiety Related to Nomophobia
Nomophobia (no mobile phone phobia) is a new addition to the nomenclature of smartphone technology. It is recognized by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) as a modern psychological condition characterized by extreme anxiety, panic, or fear of being without a mobile phone, losing signal, running out of battery, and losing stored data – all things that may occur as older versions of smartphones become obsolete. Common symptoms of anxiety are experienced among sufferers, including trembling, sweating, dizziness, and rapid breathing. To alleviate these symptoms, individuals are compelled to purchase the latest smartphone, despite not being in the financial position to do so.
Leads to Increased Screen Time
With each new version, smartphones become “all in one” devices that roll-up telecommunications, social interaction, entertainment, shopping, working, and financial management into one handheld hub. In replacing multiple, non-digital activities, into a singular web-enabled portal, individuals spend more time engaging with their smartphone screens. Research confirms that smartphone upgrades with increased device capabilities are driving significant rises in daily screen time – as much as eight hours daily among young Americans.
Can Make Problematic Online Behaviors More Problematic
There are various activities that are linked to addictive behavior that have been exasperated by their integration with smartphone technology. For example, gambling, gaming, trading, pornography, and shopping have become more accessible than ever, with in-app experiences becoming more immersive, engaging, and subsequently addictive in the process. Each new smartphone version is accompanied by more sophisticated app design, along with data-driven marketing advancements that help gambling, gaming, trading, porn, and shopping (etc.) app developers customize experiences to each individual user’s behavior, in real time, encouraging increased usage and spending.
II. SIGNS OF UNHEALTHY BEHAVIOR
Signs of problematic behavior relating to smartphone planned obsolescence, indicating that intervention may be required, include the following:
- An individual feels anxiety related to social pressures when a new version of a smartphone has been announced/released.
- An individual feels anxiety related to potentially compromised smartphone functionality when a new version of a smartphone has been announced/released, even though there are no tangible signs of poor device functioning.
- An individual feels anxiety related to potentially compromised app functionality when a new version of a smartphone has been announced/released, even though there are no tangible signs of poor app functioning.
- An individual feels compelled to purchase the latest version of a smartphone in order to calm feelings of anxiety, even though they may not have adequate disposable income to do so.
- An individual initially hides their new smartphone purchase from loved ones, particularly when they have indicated (or agreed to, when asked) that they would not.
- An individual feels guilt about purchasing the latest version of a smartphone, after having pledged to not do so.
- An individual strongly encourages loved ones, friends, and other social connections to also purchase the latest smartphone in order to calm their own feelings of guilt about giving-in to purchase the newest version.
- An individual spends an increasing and unhealthy amount of time on their smartphone, with each new version purchase.
- An individual spends an increasing and unhealthy amount of time engaged with apps associated with problematic behavior, with each new smartphone purchase. Related apps include those connected to online gambling, gaming, trading, pornography, shopping, and social media.
- An individual has attempted to abstain from purchasing each new version of a smartphone, without success.
III. WHO MAY BE VULNERABLE
There are certain segments of the population who have vulnerabilities to developing unhealthy behavior relating to everything discussed. Unhealthy behavior may cooccur with various mental health issues (possibly as a maladaptive coping mechanism) and other behavioral issues. Those who live with one or more of the following are encouraged to be more mindful of smartphone purchases (and usage):
| Anxiety | Depression |
| ADHD | Bipolar Disorder |
| OCD | PTSD |
| Problem Gambling and Trading | Unhealthy Video Gaming |
| Compulsive Shopping Disorder | Unhealthy Social Media Usage |
If unable to curb problematic consumption behavior on your own, be it related to smartphone planned obsolescence or otherwise, intervention is likely required. Connect to a virtual counselor who specializes in the treatment of digital dependencies through Kindbridge Behavioral Health. Reach out via your preferred form of contact below.
