In a world of modern amenities, ranging from the latest iPhone 6 to the stylish new sports car, luxuries seem to be taking over our world. Everywhere we look, we can find a new feat of technology provoking outrageous levels of consumerism. However, we must often stop, look around, and ask ourselves: are these latest technologies really necessary? Or are they simply luxuries? Personally, I believe that technologies are merely wants, and are not needs. Technology is not necessary for the survival of human beings, and although they can make life entertaining or sometimes easier, the same end can be achieved through different means. I get a new phone or electronic device about every 2-3 years. When looking back in retrospect, I realized that for some products, I really did need a new model because the old phone did not work efficiently and did not have many features I feel as though I needed to contact my parents or use for school. For other products, however, such as my iPad, I feel as though I really did not need it because my other device (iPhone) had almost exactly the s ame features. I read in my AP Environmental Science textbook last year that iPhones and other devices use precious Earth metals that are being depleted. Since then, I have been considering the environmental impacts of my purchases and those of others. I think about the materials needed to build such device, the energy they use every single day, and the high costs of production and emission of fossil fuels in the production and transportation of these devices. I think that if you are addicted, you can break your addiction by looking for entertainment in other things, such as physical activity, playing outside, or hanging out with friends, which can boost your happiness without the disadvantages of cell phones. If we can do this, we will be one step closer to a sustainable and happy world.

ok, that's got my vote for best post title I've seen so far

Thank you Mr. Hodin! I thought it was quite clever as well. What is your stance on the issue? Do you feel that technology rules your life and you constantly need to update your model-in other words, "tech yourself"? Or are you moderate, and realize the dangers of excessive wants?

Although I do tech myself insofar as I depend on technology for work, I try to limit it.  So I had a really old flip phone all the way until earlier this year, when a friend sold me his used iPhone 4S.  I'm sure I won't buy a newer model for years if I can avoid it.  Same goes for my laptops etc.  At home we have no TV.

I totally agree with what you said about addiction, and those are good ideas for trying to break it!

Love the title, as well!

That's very smart! I agree that we shouldn't ban technology altogether, but we must limit ourselves. Wow! I am super impressed that you do not have a television! I do not know if I could so the same! I read in a health article in Time that technology decreases social interaction between young children. If we could raise awareness about the dangers of excessive tech use, we could minimize the gravity of this problem. Thanks for the compliments and good ideas!

Thanks Karen! I think it is pretty funny but still gets the message across!

I have to strongly agree with the main post here. Living in California, I can strongly say that a main portion of society, mainly teenagers, happen to have more of a need for the newest technology. Just imagine what the generations of kids now will be like 20, 30 years in the future. They were raised with the mindset of technology; I watched a 2 year-old the other day play house, and she kept talking about Facebook, despite her not knowing what it even was. The produce and demand of technology is only going to go up, hence so is the carbon footprint of the world. I agree with Sebastian in the main post. People now need to step back and not only look at their wants/needs, but to realize what an impact its making on climate change. And then do something about it.

I also agree with you that people can and should limit their use of technology. However, you say that you own an iPhone yourself. I also have an iPhone, and just like you I need it for school and home life. However, if we need smartphones for school, how is it fair to say other people don't need an iPhone? We can not count on the next generation to simply stop using technology. This generation has to limit its own technology use in order to set an example for our children who will be facing the consequences for our own mistakes if we don't.

The changes in this world effect the people just as what the people do effect the world. Tech has come to rule people. How do you change it?

I totally and completely agree