Buzz
It's recently been announced that the average person will own up to 19 mobile phones in their lifetime. A recent survey conducted in the UK with a sample size of 2,000 mobile phone users indicates that approximately every 3 years and 4 months (40 months), they will purchase a new mobile phone for themselves. Typically in the UK, the current average age is only 63 years old, which also implies that an individual's lifespan here will entail owning up to 19 mobile phones. This condition doesn't include situations of loss, theft, or damage leading to the purchase of a new phone.
A survey in the UK shows that an average user will have 19 phones in their lifetime.In today's context, smart devices like phones appear to be essential for both life and work. The average smartphone user also equips themselves with 2 to 3 mobile phones, with even 13% of people having more than 3 phones. Here, none of us can deny the necessity of phones, so having multiple phones for work, entertainment, and gaming is no longer unfamiliar.
Human life is evolving day by day, demanding that technological devices be regularly upgraded to meet users' tastes. Therefore, many phones are 'phased out' every year because they become outdated, no longer fitting the modern tech market. This is also a significant alarm, as Mr. Lars Silberbauer, the new CMO at HMD Global, points out that smartphones have contributed significantly to the global electronic waste pile.
Mobile phones have become an indispensable item nowadays.According to statistics, only 29% of users recycle their phones before intending to switch to a new one. Meanwhile, 41% admit that they truly don't know what to do with their old phones and also don't like the idea of recycling them for use. According to them, they are outdated and they need a more up-to-date device to feel 'upgraded,' with 44% desiring the latest software and features on their smartphones. However, 48% of Britons will reuse old devices 'in emergency cases,' and 34% will give them to family or friends for reuse.
Although opting to reuse old phones could pocket a small amount of money, they don't do so. Present-day phones are no longer extravagant; it seems everyone can afford to buy themselves the fanciest phone and consider it a self-rewarding gift. Over 39% have replaced a functioning mobile device just because its battery life started to decline. There are even phones still functioning perfectly, without any issues, but are still replaced by new ones released on the market.
Mobile phones contribute to increasing electronic waste.Additionally, many people share the viewpoint that they could afford to buy a new phone on the market, but they refrain from doing so. They want to protect the planet they live on; they don't want global electronic waste to affect this planet. Instead of fancying a new phone and chasing new technology, they fancy the planet they live on more.
Lars Silberbauer further adds that rewards should be given to those who share the same values, the same perspective on limiting electronic waste, while actively encouraging users to keep their phones in their pockets longer and extend the overall lifespan of the devices a little longer. However, these are only figures in the UK; there will be variations in figures for developing countries or those with higher average lifespans.
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