Which term describes the process by which older technologies become obsolete due to advances?

Which term describes the process by which older technologies become obsolete due to advances?

• A. Technology push
• B. Technology transfer
• C. Suppression (Markets)
• D. Technological obsolescence

Answer: (D)

Technological obsolescence happens when older technologies become obsolete as newer advances arrive. As hardware, software, materials, or standards improve, the older option often offers lower performance, higher costs, or poorer compatibility, so it fades from use and market demand shifts to newer alternatives. Think of how floppy disks were replaced by USB drives and cloud storage, or how CRT monitors gave way to flat-panel displays—the older technologies simply no longer meet current needs. This isn’t about who pushes or transfers technology or about market suppression; it’s about the natural retirement of old tech because progress makes it outdated.

Technological obsolescence happens when older technologies become obsolete as newer advances arrive. As hardware, software, materials, or standards improve, the older option often offers lower performance, higher costs, or poorer compatibility, so it fades from use and market demand shifts to newer alternatives. Think of how floppy disks were replaced by USB drives and cloud storage, or how CRT monitors gave way to flat-panel displays—the older technologies simply no longer meet current needs. This isn’t about who pushes or transfers technology or about market suppression; it’s about the natural retirement of old tech because progress makes it outdated.