I think that there is both a want aspect and a need aspect to having the latest technology.  Technology becomes a want when a person continues to buy the updated models of their devices, even though their previous ones worked just fine.  It is also demonstrated as a want when technological amenities are purchased in excess (whereas one or two would have sufficed), such as having multiple iPads, phones, computers, TVs, etc. The media promotes the constant consumption of new technologies which has led to a standard that technology is a necessity.  Currently, we live in a society where much of our daily lives is dependent on technology; it has become central to much of communication, work, and school.  As new technologies are made and accessibility to those technologies increases, so will the "want" and "need" of technology.
In my case, I get a new phone once every 2-3 years unless the phone is broken in a way that would cost more to fix than to get a new one.  I try not to get the next latest model because often times the newer version is not much better and my current mod el works great.  I think that if you are going to get a new version of a device, it would be best if your old one could be recycled and its parts used for other things.

I agree with your assessment that technology is both a want and a need, as I believe that technology has become a huge part of our society but also has become a burden. I think that e-cycling is a really important thing, because around 2.5 million tons of electronics are thrown away every single year. We must work together to combat this waste.

Thanks Michael!  E-cycling is really important and I am really glad our school has the e-waste drive.  I had not previously thought of technology as having become a burden.  I would like to know our reasoning for coming to that conclusion.

I agree with you that in our society the buying of technology has become excessive and that technology is necessary in the modern world, however, in moderation. I do the same as you with phones. My phone is hand-me-down from a family friend. Although it is several years dated it works great for me. If people became less worried about having the latest phone or computer and just kept using the technology until it can no longer be used then there would be much e-waste. In addition, with the increased use of technology there the world has to work together to solve the problem of e-waste and recycling it.

Hi Maeve, I really like your personal connection to this issue.  I think it's great that you are not very concerned with having the latest technology.  I completely agree that if people become less worried about having the latest model then less e-waste would be amassed.  In order to really make an impact on the mass consumption of material goods, it is going to take a large percentage of the world working together to reduce e-waste and encourage people to use their devices until they stop working.

I agree with you because I think that people, today, want to be cool and have the last model of electronic items not because they need them, but because they want them, for being cool; they're electronic addicted! Most boys and girls who are 14-18 years old want the lastest models of IPhone ONLY to be cool. I agree with people who need newer and faster models of IMac, IPhone or other electronic items for work or projects. There are a lot of people who can't afford many things and they must be glad with what they have. It's important to ask yourself if you really need an item or if it is just a want.

I think you make a very valid point.  A lot of teenagers want the newest technology to "fit in" and be "cool".  Especially with the rapid production and distribution of subsequent iPhone models.  It is true that people may need newer and faster models for work purposes because they cannot risk the possibility of losing their work if their laptop or phone crashes or breaks.

Thanks Cosette! I personally think that electronics have become a kind of a burden and also a gift. I feel this way because much of us have put our entire social lives on the web, or have found all of their entertainment on their devices, and I think that we have become dependent on them. This is somewhat a burden because we are forced to keep using these expensive and emission causing electronics. However, they have also become a great opportunity because we can use electronics for this discussion board as it allows us to easily spread information and educate each other.

That's a very interesting thought.  It is true that because we have become dependent on technology we must keep using electronics.  This creates an endless cycle of consumerism which has taken hold of our society.  Yet, these very technologies are what allow us to communicate with people from all around the world, improve the economy, and discover and gain understanding of the earth and life.