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Wants or Needs?

Is having the latest technology a want or a need?

How often do you get a new cel phone or mp3 player? Did you really need a new model? Do you consider the environmental impact of these purchases? If you are addicted, how can you break your addiction?




Wants or Needs? >

We Don't Need It!

dorisapril

Technology is definitely more of a want than a need. People feel that they can't live without the newest phone or laptop, but that's not true. People want the newest technology because they want to be cool, or think it's way better than the previous form of technology. But in reality, is the Iphone X really that different from the XR? The only real difference is the camera and the look, which is something people don't need.

axeljwljung

I totally agree. Overconsumption is almost a norm in the world and more needs to be done to stop it. People are addicted to getting new things when the things they previously had were fine.

jacobsena

I agree completely with both of you. I feel that most companies, and especially the large and influential ones, advertise themselves as eco-friendly and attempt to make claims that they are helping the environment while they also advertise and trick consumers to feel as if they need to buy their newest products constantly, therefore adding the problem.

bunnc

I totally agree with this.  We are told through things like the media or big what we want or need when in reality, they are just trying to help themselves.  We need to make decisions for ourselves and not be influenced by what other people think about our choices.

acaciasbod2mm

I agree with you, I feel that people use technology way too much just to feel cool or as an accessory when it's really just nothing it's just something to keep people occupied.

zoeycbod2mm

I definitely agree. Many people believe that it is necessary to buy things when in actuality it is not. People are deceived by media into buying all the newest products in order to satisfy advertisers. Without this deception there would be no overconsumption and therefore no over production.

SofiaLC

I agree and sadly I also feel that because of the conditions and the environment in which we live in, a lot of these new technologies and innovations have just become a part of us. In places of the world that don't receive as many resources and benefits as we do it can be more ideal for them to have less because that's how their entire community lives. Yes, it is unfair that we receive more benefits and that we release way too much carbon, but I don't really think there is much we can do now but try to reduce our emissions little by little. It's a big process but if everyone is committed to changing our lifestyles, then changes can be made. We can survive in the same kinds of environments as all other people on the planet, we just need to try.

HannahFusaBOD2MM

I completely agree with you. I also think that technology can do more harm than good. Aside from people constantly buying new products, even though their old ones are still good, which causes lots of waste, social media causes people to be more insecure about themselves. Constantly seeing people post about getting new technology drives people to want to buy the new technology as well to be like everyone else. Social media is such a powerful thing, and I feel as though we don't see enough of people promoting being green and how to help save the environment.

murs

I agree with you! I think it's completely pointless when people feel the need to constantly buy new devices when they have perfectly fine ones that they could use. I think it does not make sense that people buy new devices because they feel that they need the newest version because in the end all they are doing is adding more garbage to this world and making more trash that we need to get rid of.

martinezg22

I would agree. According to https://www.thebalancesmb.com/e-waste-r … s-2878189, a worldwide estimate of 41.8 million tons of electronic-related waste was recorded in 2014. Not only is this number insurmountably large and completely unsustainable, but this figure will only have increased by 2019, as more technological advancements are made and electronic products become more and more widespread.

The US alone contributed to almost a fourth of the total waste generation in 2014, adding 11.7 million tons of e-waste to landfills and incinerators. By cutting down our usage and reduction of constant buying, we will be able to greatly cut down the generation of e-waste in the world. And if new technology is necessary, we should properly dispose of these electronics for reuse. According to UN reports, only 16 percent of global e-waste is recycled by government agencies / companies monitored by industry regulations. If we can increase this number, e-waste will become much less of an issue in the rise of the new technological age.

polimpiadabod2

Yes, I agree with you. Just like what you said, most people tend to want the latest technologies and gadgets just to flaunt to others about their new phone or whatever. According to OpenLearn, humans have generated 44.7 million metric tons of electronic waste in 2016, which is equivalent to 4,500 Eiffel Towers. This was 5% more than the electronic goods discarded just two years ago, in 2014. If the trend is set to continue, then by 2021, we would rise to discard 52.2 million metric tons. All the people who tend to throw away their previous electronics are just adding more waste and accumulating more trash. The trend would decline if people were to stop the habit of always buying the new electronics, and would just stick to the phone they have right now.

emmegraphics

I agree because people wants to buy the newest tecnology possible. I think they don't need it because yhe functions of 2018's phone are the same of a new one. They are useless if you don't work with them, it's only a teenagers need for new brands.

addison-

There really aren't many differences between new phones. People usually get the newest model to look "cool" or to meet social acceptance standards. I believe that in order to limit e-waste, social standards need to change.

braydonm

I agree, technology now has become more of a want because back then, cell phones were meant for calling others. Now cell phones are more about accessing social media and playing game on it. Then when the technology becomes outdated it get thrown out into a landfill as e-waste.

gerardim22bod2

I agree. In today's day and age, I think we need to fundamentally change the way we see things that we purchase that can significantly contribute to our carbon footprint, such as technology. Instead of buying things whenever we feel like it just because we can, I think a much healthier and eco-friendly lifestyle would be to limit your purchases to the necessities. In the area of technology, to minimize e-waste, I think you are right about purchasing so many devices with possibly only minimal differences; I think we should be more aware of e-waste and its effects on our carbon footprints and that we should only purchase new technology when needed, not just to look cool, as you've said. For example, according to CNET, a credible technology website, the creation of each new iPhone X contributes 79 kg of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. If we could just minimize the amount of new technology that we purchase, it would be very beneficial to our world. https://www.cnet.com/news/apple-iphone- … al-report/

jbank-usabodhill

Technology is a want in most cases, but also necessary in many cases, as well. Technology drives industry, economy, social life, and many other aspects of human existence. I am not saying that Technology is necessary for the continuation of the human race, however without it, the world would become segregated, with no means of large scale international communication. Also, keep in mind, those reading this are using technology as they read. Technology even plays a part in environmental conservation. The goal is not to eliminate technology, it is to limit it to the performance of more necessary functions. A way to seriously downsize tech usage is to avoid social media and interact with people face to face.

ilaria03

I agree with you. Today people buy very expensive phones without motivation. We are internet addicted. It has become necessary for everyone.

jmaryjane

good

jmaryjane

i agree two but how is it pointless? i think your statment is great but not your reasoning

jmaryjane

i agree and im not just saying that but good job you really helped me

bgalindo

l agreed

@Doris S (USA) BOD2MM

People feel that they can't live without the newest phone or laptop, but that's not true

they just want to be *cool* and all but also they dont fell *comfortable*.

Lilwetpanda

Because the XR is bad compared to the XS and X, it is like the 5C of X’s

WillJurek

Think. Before you buy the next iPhone 10 MAX or a PlayStation 5, think of the environmental impact that it might have. Buying a new phone isn’t only expensive, but it affects the environment very negatively with all the shipping and driving it takes to get to you. I agree with your response, but I question you to think of your own habits and try to not get a want, but instead save your money for something that can help the world, like investing your $ in Solar Energy.

23 posts
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