Americans are holding onto devices longer than ever and it’s slowing productivity

I just read an article about how Americans are keeping their phones, laptops, and other devices way longer than they used to and apparently it’s starting to hurt the economy. The average person now holds onto a smartphone for 29 months, compared to 22 months in 2016. Some businesses hold onto their equipment for years, which can really slow down productivity. Some stories hit me like a retired woman who’s still using a 6-year-old Samsung phone because she can’t afford a new one. Or companies struggling to run modern software on outdated hardware. Experts say it creates a “productivity drag,” slows innovation, and even affects internet and network speeds because systems have to stay compatible with old devices. On the flip side, the article points out that the repair and refurbishment market benefits, and some suggest making devices more modular and repairable so people don’t have to constantly replace them. I can relate I’ve held onto my old devices far longer than I probably should, just because they still work. But reading this made me realize it’s not just an inconvenience for me personally; it actually adds up on a bigger scale. Has anyone else felt this tension wanting to save money or keep a device you love, but also noticing it slowing you down or making life harder?