Maybe not, but many things from past production used better materials and are simpler to repair. I've seen it in vehicles and many other things. Nothing lasts forever in every environment, but I call bullshit on the idea that things have always been as shitty as they are now. It is also true that things get replaced due to new features, efficiency, etc but that doesn't mean there won't be other downsides. One being reparability and complexity. New and old are neither always good or bad. But in general, quality and repairability have taken the backseat. Most things I see now seem to be disposable. Some of that is due to complexity demand (more stuff in a thing is harder to repair). Most is just fiat nonsense, in my opinion.
Discussion
It isn't all or nothing either. There are so many variable that it just depends. Not everything should be made expensively. Some components are just fine being cheaper metal, plastic, etc. It really depends.
A lot is cost. The populations using the things have absolutely exploded in number and they managed to drive down the real price of everything, while still responding quickly to the increased demand.
People complain about quality, but they also complain about supply shortages and rising prices. Something has to give.
One reason real estate prices are so high is because the prices of consumer goods are so low. The money leftover went into investment-grade goods, driving up their prices.
Usually price would be the give. But people complain about that too 😂
People want everything for free, in fact. That's why they put it on credit. Feels like free.
Yep. Distorts reality too.
You see it with vehicle markets in the US. People shop based on monthly payment now, which makes it easier for total sale price to soar. With almost decade long loans and high interest. Beautiful. Cash payers like me get fucked. For now. Distortions like that always break eventually. We are seeing increases in repos and missed payments now, as expected.