雅思阅读

📖 Reading Passage

The concept of 'planned obsolescence' has been a subject of intense debate among economists and environmentalists. This practice, whereby products are deliberately designed to have a limited lifespan, aims to stimulate consumption by encouraging frequent replacements. Proponents argue that it drives technological innovation and economic growth, as consumers continually upgrade to newer models. However, critics contend that this approach leads to significant environmental degradation, as the rapid turnover of goods escalates electronic waste and resource depletion. Moreover, they suggest that the psychological impact on consumers, who are trapped in a cycle of perpetual dissatisfaction, undermines the purported benefits of constant novelty. Recent studies have begun to explore alternative models, such as circular economies, which prioritize durability and repairability, potentially offering a more sustainable path forward. This shift, while challenging, reflects a growing awareness of the long-term consequences of our consumption patterns.