Since the creation of the first light bulb, there’s been a deceitful practice called “planned obsolescence.” Products have been deliberately designed to need replacement within a certain amount of time instead of lasting forever.
How would a tech company make any money if they weren’t deliberately breaking their own products? Well, why were older household items made to last and they’ve only gotten worse today? In this episode, Edge of Wonder dives into the Centennial Light (which lasted more than 100 years!), plots from the Phoebus Cartel, the industrial revolution, the Great Depression, electric companies, and more!
Since the creation of the first light bulb, there’s been a deceitful practice called “planned obsolescence.” Products have been deliberately designed to need replacement within a certain amount of time instead of lasting forever.
How would a tech company make any money if they weren’t deliberately breaking their own products? Well, why were older household items made to last and they’ve only gotten worse today? In this episode, Edge of Wonder dives into the Centennial Light (which lasted more than 100 years!), plots from the Phoebus Cartel, the industrial revolution, the Great Depression, electric companies, and more!
Planned Obsolescence: The Great Light Bulb Scheme
Since the creation of the first light bulb, there’s been a deceitful practice called “planned obsolescence.” Products have been deliberately designed to need replacement within a certain amount of time instead of lasting forever.
How would a tech company make any money if they weren’t deliberately breaking their own products? Well, why were older household items made to last and they’ve only gotten worse today? In this episode, Edge of Wonder dives into the Centennial Light (which lasted more than 100 years!), plots from the Phoebus Cartel, the industrial revolution, the Great Depression, electric companies, and more!
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Planned Obsolescence: The Great Light Bulb Scheme
September 19, 2025
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