Perceived obsolescence refers to the idea that a product is considered outdated or no longer desirable, even if it is still functional. This often occurs due to changes in trends, styles, or marketing strategies that encourage consumers to replace items that are still usable. For example, many people feel the need to upgrade their smartphones every year, even if their current device works perfectly well. This phenomenon is commonly driven by advertising and social influences, which create a sense of urgency to own the latest version of a product. Companies may intentionally design products, like clothing or electronics, to appear less appealing over time, pushing consumers to buy new versions to stay fashionable or technologically current.