THE PLANNED OBSOLESCENCE OF KNOWLEDGE: THE BENEFITS AND CHALLENGES OF EDUCATION WITH AN EXPIRATION DATE

Abstract

Planned obsolescence of knowledge refers to the rapid loss of relevance of information and skills due to technological acceleration and the exponential growth of knowledge production. This phenomenon, intensified by the information society and communication technologies, makes the complete assimilation of new content unfeasible. Students face challenges such as the difficulty of identifying reliable sources and the constant pressure to stay current, resulting in a "mental dependency" and the prioritization of quantity and speed over quality. This scenario compromises prolonged attention and depth in learning. Historically, the knowledge acquired remained relevant for decades, but today it becomes obsolete in a few years or months. This affects professionals who depend on specific tools, and may exclude them from the market. In education, there is a need to constantly update curricula, incorporating new skills and emerging technologies. The great challenge is to prepare students to be autonomous learners, capable of exploring knowledge independently and developing a critical sense about the information consumed. Thus, the obsolescence of knowledge reflects a broader trend in contemporary society, requiring constant adaptations in educational practices and in the way we deal with learning.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.56238/sevened2024.041-006