Teknologiforbruk

Teknologiforbruk is the rate and pattern at which individuals and societies consume technology and related services. It encompasses the purchase, use, upgrade, and disposal of information and communication technologies and consumer electronics, as well as software subscriptions and cloud services. The lifecycle of technology products—design, production, use, and end-of-life management—shapes material and energy flows, as well as waste generation.

Drivers include rising device ownership, shorter product lifespans, marketing, affordability, and the expansion of digital services such as streaming and online platforms. Implications include environmental impacts from resource extraction and manufacturing energy, as well as the management of electronic waste and potential toxicity in improper disposal. Social considerations include the digital divide, data privacy, and labor conditions within supply chains.

Measurement of teknologiforbruk uses indicators such as devices per capita, electronics expenditure, average device lifetime, e-waste generation per capita, and indicators of material throughput. Policy responses aim to reduce negative effects through the circular economy, repairability standards, and extended producer responsibility. Right to Repair movements advocate for longer-lasting devices and easier repairs. Recycling and take-back programs are essential for e-waste management, alongside energy efficiency standards and sustainable design. Global patterns vary: high-income regions may approach saturation in some device categories while digital services grow; in lower-income regions, rapid device adoption can outpace waste management capacity, necessitating improved recycling infrastructure and enforcement.