Critical Analysis- Made to Break: Technology and Obsolescence in America (Part 3)

So the book is finally completed!! What to say, what to say.. Overall, it was interesting. I found the beginning of the book more enjoyable than the ending but maybe that's just because the ending focused more on the invention of computers. Towards the end, it was very similar to the book, "Computers: The Life Story of a Technology" because it went into detail of the history of calculators and computers. Computers are a product of obsolescence in that smaller, faster, and more efficient computers are constantly invented.  Computer software has forced people to fall victim to product obsolescence because of constant updates, even if only minor tweaks have been done to the program. We live in a society that now has a major e-waste problem. Cell phones that could have probably lasted for at least a good five years are just thrown away at the young, ripe age of one and are replaced with more "up to date" phones. We have this notion that our forms of technology quickly become "worn" out even when there is nothing wrong with it. This idea of obsolescence isn't new or limited to just computers or cell phones, but has affected just about everything, including calculators, home video game consoles, and coin operated video game arcades which the book later mentions. One major component described by the book that increases the risk of obsolescence in a product is the emphasis to create smaller, handheld products. We crave convenience and intimacy with our technology which is why we quickly replace things, but what is ironic is the fact that our technologies have actually caused us to be less intimate with ourselves. Another point that the book emphasizes is the fact that before the 1960's, obsolescence was only applied to physical objects, but now this concept can be applied to people's knowledge and skills. This is problematic in that people in the workforce must constantly strive to keep up with new technology and ways of doing things. If someone does not keep up to date then he may have a chance of losing his job and being easily replaced by someone who is more qualified.