With US society and culture becoming more and more technologically dependent, having the latest technology has grown more towards a need. In prior years, many teachers and other older figures would dismiss technology simply as a want and instruct the growing generations to go play outside. However, when 90% of all US citizens have a cell phone and 29% of these owners describe their phone as "something that cannot be lived without" according to the Pew Research Center, US culture has clearly grown towards dependence on technology. Even in schools, technology and laptop programs are appearing all across the nation because of the growing emphasis on relying on the internet and other technological advantages that make life easier.
     
     Personally, I get a new phone every few years but I never really need the new model. As long as the device functions as it should, then I think the device is just fine. I do not really think about my environmental impact as much as I should, but I always bring old phones to e-waste drives so I feel a bit better about my technology usage.  I feel that once someone is addicted, the best remedy would be heading to a place, such as Pescadero, CA, where there is no cell service or technology. Each year I spend about 2 weeks down in Pescadero for camp and I have a blast even without my technology. Therefore, the same principles should apply because our generation did not always have technology by our sides so perhaps there is a chance for separation.