I think technology is somewhat a want but it can also be a need because it connects us to the outside world. It improves the way we view the rest of the world because we can easily connect with people all around. Our phones also keep us safe if we are ever out late or have to stay home alone. The games and social media apps are hardly necessary so I try to avoid them. I get a new phone about every 3 years which is pretty reasonable. I do not get a new phone because the newest one comes out, I only get one if my old one is broken. I don’t really think about the environmental impact that much but I probably will look further into it now. I don’t think I am addicted because I can easily leave my phone alone for an entire day and actually feel much better.

I agree Jessie! Technology can be either a want or a need. Phones can keep us safe and can connect us with people all over the world which everyone needs but, we also want games and social media apps too. Most people do not know the environmental impact of buying new technology. Technology being a need is a very good topic because technology can keep us safe.

I agree with both insights! After reading your posts, I looked up how technology impacts carbon and the carbon emissions. The Guardian says that the internet releases 300 million tons of carbon per year, which is similar to Turkey and Poland's total emissions. Just like you all, I use my phone to contact parents, friends, and sometimes to use social media or games. However, anyone who has seen my phone knows that I have a very old iPhone. Like Jessie, and unlike probably the majority of consumerist America, I don't buy a new phone whenever a new model comes out. This choice impacts how many greenhouses gasses go into manufacturing a new phone. With Americans being obsessed with new devices as they are, I can imagine that their purchasing of new technology negatively affects the environment a lot. Although technology, especially in the 21st century helps us a lot, I am wondering if it does more harm than good? Creating energy that all technology uses: televisions,  phones, computers, is made by dangerous greenhouse gasses (How Stuff Works: Tech) that ruin the atmosphere and pollute the earth.

I completely agree with the original statement. I think phones and new technology are very useful for our world today when it comes to communication, safety, and research. I do not see how buying the latest technology can impact our environment greatly but I see the little affect it can have. If people were to stop buying the latest model every time something "groundbreaking" came out the environment would not be effected as greatly as if people were to completely stop burning fossil fuels. I use my phone on a daily basis and do not normally see it as an impact on the environment but this statement will help me further evaluate the situation.