I was a mobile mechanic for a long time of my life, there where learned how to really repair things as you had limited parts on hand (in the truck) so you really HAD TO know how thing work and not just replace things in hope you hit the right part.
I saw a lot of rookie Tech. just becoming...
I think personality has more influence on the "throw away" attitude than age.
Money would be a big factor at any age and for me it was always curiosity to see how things "tick" (work)
As a kid I would take things apart to see how they work (sometimes still do lol) and due lack of money repair...
My scenario & it works for me :D now (thanks to this forum) I'm somewhat of a guru on these motors & they work every time I'm up there.
(full disclosure) I have lots of spare components there for a quick repair if needed