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Johnson, a consumer psychology specialist and the host of the marketing psychology blog, explained to Bored Panda that there are several reasons why people often cling to seemingly outdated technology.
"First, familiarity and comfort play a role, as people may be resistant to change and prefer tools they're accustomed to. Second, cost can be a massive factor as well, as upgrading to newer technology can be expensive. It's the classic line: 'No one has ever been fired for going with IBM,'" he said.
"Many business leaders are excessively loss averse, and so if an old technology is working (even sub-optimally), there is little incentive to change. An upgrade is seen as all downside, and little upside," Johnson noted.
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"In some cases, older technology may also be more reliable or durable, making it a practical choice for certain tasks."
On top of that, Johnson said that in the case of fax machines still being widely used in Japan, "cultural factors and industry-specific standards can further perpetuate the use of older technology."
We also asked the consumer psychology specialist about why people feel pressured to update to the latest gadgets. For one, you have social pressure and the desire to fit in with your peers to consider.
"Advertisements and marketing create a sense of FOMO (fear of missing out) and a perception that the latest technology is essential for staying connected and efficient. Additionally, software updates and app compatibility can incentivize upgrades as older devices may become obsolete," the specialist shared with Bored Panda.
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"The pursuit of new features, improved performance, and enhanced user experiences also drives this pressure for constant technological advancement. This is exacerbated by the fact that many products are deliberately designed and marketed to be desired, enjoyed briefly, and then replaced. This is especially the case with mobile devices, where we constantly seek out the newest, 'most advanced' version, despite modest changes from model to model."
Johnson also drew attention to a set of studies from Columbia Business School that he also discussed in his book 'Blindsight.' "Researchers found that you’re much more likely to be careless with your phone if there’s a newer, better version of the product on the horizon," he noted.
"Examining a dataset of over 3,000 lost iPhones, the research team found there was a curious spike in losses before a new model was released. Over 600 self-reports of iPhone neglect and damage followed similar timing. Even our physical dexterity becomes unconsciously attuned to this need to upgrade."
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The viral Reddit thread is proof of a few things. First, folks have a tough time letting go of the things they already own and have grown to love. Nostalgia and money that’s already been invested in the tech are both key factors here.
Secondly, it shows that some people are perfectly fine using products that work adequately, while they’re still functional. They don’t see a need to upgrade to the ‘latest mode’ just to be fashionable or chase trends. This might be out of ecological concerns, the desire to save money, or the simple realization that simple functionality is better than an overabundance of options.
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Third—and many of us have witnessed this firsthand—products made in the past seem to stand the test of time far better than new ones. They’re more resilient. Newer tech, on the other hand, seems to become outdated far more quickly. Thanks, planned obsolescence!
You’d genuinely be surprised by how abundant old tech still is in this day and age. For example, the Tokyo Weekender points out that in 2020, a jaw-dropping 34% of all Japanese households still had a fax machine. It’s quite a contrast with public perception when you consider that Japan is one of the most technologically advanced countries on Planet Earth.
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It’s not just fax machines that Japan has a tough time letting go of! Cash is still prevalent in the country. According to data from 2022, merely 32% of all payments in Japan were cashless. Compare that to a whopping 93% of payments in neighboring South Korea, another extremely technologically advanced nation.
CDs, business cards, and websites that overwhelm you with information are also a part of daily life there. Many of these things look like they belong in the latter half of the last century, but there you have it—nothing’s obsolete or outdated while it’s still in use! And changing habits, traditions, and social mores is harder than you think, even with all the fancy new tech up for grabs…
