Nowadays, new and improved versions of varying technologies are marketed as necessities. Of course, anyone with a little common sense knows in the back of their hand that they won't die if they don't turn in their seemingly antiquated iPhone 5 for the new iPhone 6. Yet people still jump at every opportunity to have the latest gadget; but why?

New technology boasts new features, but these improvements are not particularly life changing. Additionally, the costs of manufacturing this new technology definitely outweigh the slight benefits of purchasing it. No one ever "needs" a new model, but they act like they do. There are multiple possible causes of this; for example, there could be a perceived social stigma of having an older model of something. In the end, it is important to take a step back and differentiate between desires and necessities, as well as the costs of mixing up the two.

I agree Fernando! I think the topic of social stigmas is very relevant. When someone has a older phone or computer they can be shunned for this. I think this is where we need to make the change. We need to change our minds from wanting the newest thing all the time, to being ok with what we have. I think it also stems from the corporations with policies like Planned obsolescence. Instead of them making something they know will only last a year or two, design more durable and reliable products that will be able to last longer, thus limiting the need for want.

Nowadays, technology is a necessity to most of us. Individuals are so attached to the latest gadgets and the latest tools. Even though we can survive without these gadgets, we still tend to refer to them as a need. I think this is due to the ads and the media today. We are so influenced and affected by the newest iphone6's and macs, that we feel it is obligatory to posses these gadgets. Therefore I agree with Fernando.

Even though we do not NEED these gadgets, we tend to buy them. We want them, we are so attached to them. This is the problem with society. We get what we want, and not what we need. We need to change the way we think, and start to accept what we have, instead of worrying about what we do not have.

In the 21st century, technology is used EVERYWHERE. Whether it is at school, at home, or even on the road. We use technology to stay in contact with people around us. We get so attached to the idea of having them that it becomes difficult for us to keep them away from us.
I agree with Fernando that we don't necessarily need these gadgets, or intact that latest ones, we just assume we need them because we are so used to the idea of changing our gadgets from year to year. There are more wants than needs in society, but we just get what we need because our needs turn into wants. In order for technology to not over rule us we need to cut down on the NEEDS that we have, and focus on the wants. technology is a want, and not actually a need. we just assume its a need because we want it so badly.

Very true. I believe we need to cut back in the amount of technology is used because teenagers are considered "zombies" walking around with their eyes glued to their phone screens. We don't need all the high tech stuff we want it but that's the difference. We need to decide if its even worth it

I do agree that social stigma is a factor pushing the overuse of technology. However, I think the biggest cause, at least in the U.S. is the need for the best. We live in a society where second best means nothing. If you're not first you're last and that how people act. With this mind set mixed with ads for items such as the I-Phone and other technologies emphasizing the slight improvements made people tend to feel like their editions are obsolete. Yet this just is not true. Just because there is a new version that may be slightly more expensive and better then your does not mean you need it. To rally get away from the overconsumption of technology we need to detach ourselves from the ideas that we always need the best. Any technology will do and any technology is gift. Sadly I have no idea how to go about starting this change but I hope we figure it out soon.

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