- How many phones are sold each year? Millions? Think big. In 2021, a total of 1.747 billion mobile phones were sold worldwide, which corresponds to 22.2% of the total world population who bought a mobile phone during that year. And that’s just phones. What about the number of computers, smartwatches, tablets, and home appliances sold each year?
- Let’s be realistic, the amount of technology the world buys every year is staggering and I’m not sure it’s justified.
- How different was the iPhone 14 from the iPhone 13? Business Insider said, “They almost all have the same features, are the same size, and run the same apps.” Is the Apple Watch 8 really superior to the Apple Watch 7? According to MacRumors, “The Apple Watch Series 8 is a very minor upgrade from the Series 7.”
It’s important to remember that as consumers, we have a lot of power in the technology market because it’s our money that ultimately drives the industry forward. However, tech companies also play a role in encouraging unnecessary purchases by constantly releasing “new” versions of products that don’t necessarily offer any significant improvements, and relentlessly selling us those products.
In today’s fast-paced and competitive technology industry, it’s all too easy for companies to get caught up in the race for quick profits. But this short-sighted approach not only consumes huge resources and contributes to technological waste, but also does not have a positive impact on the world. Also, it can lead to a “release and discard” mentality where companies quickly release new products or updates and then discard or ignore previous versions instead of taking the time to make sure their products are sustainable and socially responsible.
Instead of releasing mediocre products every year because that’s been the norm for so long, maybe, as Apple says, it’s time to think differently.
One example of a company that emphasizes social responsibility in the production of its technologies is Fairphone. Founded in 2013, the Dutch company set out to create a smartphone that is both ethically and environmentally responsible. They achieve this by sourcing materials from conflict-free mines, using a modular design that makes it easy for users to repair and upgrade their phones, and maintaining fair labor relations in their supply chain. Not only does this set a new standard for the industry, but it also sends a clear signal that tech companies can prioritize social responsibility and still be successful in the marketplace.
Another example of a tech company that doesn’t release new products every year is the Raspberry Pi Foundation. The Raspberry Pi is a series of small, inexpensive, single-board computers. They are designed and manufactured by the Raspberry Pi Foundation, a UK-based charity. The foundation releases new versions of its Raspberry Pi boards every couple of years with incremental updates and improvements, but older versions are still available for purchase. They also provide software and resources for users to learn about computer science and electronics. The focus is on providing a low-cost and flexible solution for educational and personal projects rather than encouraging constant updates. This approach also encourages users to learn how to maintain, troubleshoot and repair their devices, reducing the amount of e-waste generated by the constant purchase of new ones.
It’s fair to say that the problem of technology waste can be put on the shoulders of consumers, but it’s also important to consider the impact of companies launching products on a tight schedule. Just as the quality of the Lord of the Rings trilogy might suffer if Peter Jackson rushed to make and release films in quick succession (he spent eight years filming the trilogy), tech companies releasing new products at breakneck speed could also lead to poor quality products.
Game of Thrones fans, you know what I mean.
Just as fans are likely to take advantage of social media to rip a director apart for putting profit over quality, why do we let tech companies do the same?
The responsibility for technology companies to take the lead in shaping a sustainable future lies with technology companies. As more consumers become aware of the environmental and social impacts of technological production, they are more likely to choose products from socially responsible companies.
It may be tempting to prioritize short-term benefits over long-term considerations, but companies must consider the consequences of their decisions. This applies to consumers as well, as it is very important to resist the urge to purchase unwanted products or be influenced by rebranded versions of the same product. Not all that glitters is gold, especially when it comes to technology.