Why We Treat Humans Like Broken Appliances
Why Do We Treat Humans Like Broken Appliances?
Sometimes, it feels like people are treated as if they were broken machines—things to be fixed, used, or discarded when they don’t work perfectly. This way of thinking isn’t new, but it’s becoming more obvious in how we interact with each other and even with technology.
One reason is that humans tend to divide the world into two categories: things that are tools and things that are persons. Tools exist for us to use; persons deserve respect and recognition as individuals with their own feelings and rights. Unfortunately, when someone struggles emotionally or mentally, society often slips into treating them like a malfunctioning appliance—something to repair quickly or replace rather than understand deeply.
This mindset comes from a habit of seeing others “merely as means” rather than “ends in themselves.” In simpler terms, instead of valuing people for who they truly are, we sometimes see them only in terms of what they can do for us. When someone isn’t functioning the way we expect—maybe because they’re sad, anxious, or overwhelmed—we might react by trying to fix them fast or ignore their deeper needs.
Another factor is how technology shapes our views. We interact daily with smart machines and AI assistants that help us write emails or solve problems efficiently. These tools don’t have feelings; we treat them purely as objects designed for specific tasks. This clear-cut view can spill over into how we treat humans who struggle—they get reduced to problems needing quick fixes rather than complex beings needing empathy.
Moreover, modern life often values productivity above all else. If a person can’t keep up at work or school due to mental health issues or stress, society may label them “broken” instead of recognizing the pressures causing their difficulties. This creates competition where people feel like they must perform perfectly—or else be discarded like faulty equipment.
The challenge lies in shifting from an “I-It” relationship (where others are objects) toward an “I-You” relationship (where others are fully recognized). It means seeing beyond surface behaviors and appreciating the unity of mind and body that makes each person unique—not just a machine needing repair but a whole being deserving care.
In short: treating humans like broken appliances happens because it’s easier to categorize people this way amid busy lives filled with demands for efficiency and control. But doing so overlooks what makes us human—the need for understanding connection rather than quick fixes—and risks losing sight of true compassion in our relationships with one another.
