The phrases like “Old is Gold”, “Evergreen”, etc, are something we have all heard of in movies or novels. However, with time we have realized that they are not just a phrase but also have some truth in them.
People on social media recently opened up an interesting debate where they could just not understand as to why older electronics from our grandparent’s and parents’ time still work flawlessly while the newer models die almost as soon as you buy them.
The internet was recently full of stories of how the appliances they bought in the 70s, 80s, and 90s are still in pretty good shape but the ones they bought a couple of months back are just not worth the money.
A Twitter user Tatum initiated a thread on this topic, sharing how a 2020 appliance will *break within 2 years* while a 1970s refrigerator will “outlive u and everyone u love.”
2020 appliances: *break within 2 years*
1970s refrigerator: i will outlive u and everyone u love. i am eternal. i am time itself
— tate (@50FirstTates) November 24, 2020
brand new sports car: *breaks down*
my 2003 honda accord: u do not own me. i own u. i will transport ur children and ur children’s children until i perish during the inevitable heat death of the universe
— tate (@50FirstTates) November 24, 2020
The Twitter post has since gone viral, receiving more than 400k likes on the threads and over 40k comments.
As soon as Tatum posted his thoughts, people jumped in and tried to understand as to why this was happening. While some just couldn’t stop sharing their own jokes on the life of the new tech.
My 2007 Toyota Prius: You and I will travel this world together, step by step. I shall never falter. You can trust in my always.
The glove compartment latch on my 2007 Toyota Prius: Go on without me
— Another Bike Commuter (@schnufflerowner) November 24, 2020
Will perish from rust, but otherwise keeps on ticking
— kris (@SunStarsWater) November 24, 2020
https://twitter.com/gordolonski/status/1331372839996416003
I had a 2000 honda accord until last month and I only got rid of it because someone rammed it at 70mph at 3 in the morning.
It still worked fine after that
— Shaddy Zaphod (@shaddytheguy) November 25, 2020
As the owner of a 2004 Honda Accord I feel this
— xine (@mckmbuck) November 25, 2020
My mother bought this microwave about 40 years ago, shortly after they first came out. It has already outlived her. It is a gigantic 2 feet wide, foot and half deep, counter consuming monster, but I refuse to part with it because a new one would break in a year or two. pic.twitter.com/T6xAVcx7pC
— Julie H (@julfromatl) November 25, 2020
I have my mom's 50-year-old "harvest gold" Sunbeam Mixmaster hand mixer. It looks exactly like this one. I'll be using it on Thursday to make whipped cream for our pecan pie. I've always just assumed it will outlast me. pic.twitter.com/cUVDnvR2CX
— unmikely (@Unmikely) November 25, 2020
While some people were just joining in on the conversation and sharing the ancient gadgets they have still been using, some people jumped in to explain the phenomenon that has caused this difference in durability. People shared how this was a concept called “Planned obsolescence” which is adopted by many automobile and electronics companies to ensure repetitive sales.
https://twitter.com/AltWrtGrmmrNzi/status/1331456872000327682
As the owner of a 2004 Honda Accord I feel this
— xine (@mckmbuck) November 25, 2020
The topic bought a lot of nostalgia in the people and for a moment everyone could appreciate how older things are not always to be thrown away. They just might outlive you.
What gadget do you have that has been in the family for generations? Do share your stories with us.
