Unnecessary gadgets
Name(s):
Technological household gimmicks
Nature
Millions are spent each year to develop new products. Many of these are not new products at all, but rather more interesting, alluring and desirable forms of the same old products, which make people buy new things. Kitchens and bathrooms are where gadgets are most commonly found.
Incidence
In 1981, two-thirds to three-quarters of houseware purchases in the USA replaced items that had worn out. By 1987, less than one-half were replacements.
Claim
The perceived usefulness of an article is inversely proportional to its actual usefulness once bought and paid for.
Broader
Aggravated by
Value(s)
Type
(E) Emanations of other problems