The Problem of Following Technology Fads
How many electronic gadgets do you have?
Why do you own the ones you do? Can you list legit reasons WHY you need that certain gadget? Or do you own it because that is what the trend is? That is what society says you should have? That is what you need in order to feel part of the “in” crowd in this world?
I would say the hot ticket item these days is an iphone. I will start off by saying that I am NOT against them. In fact, my husband has one and I can’t tell you how many times it has helped us get out of a bind. Binds where we were lost and needed directions, needed to get somewhere but did not have an address, binds of needing to check information in an email, but couldn’t because we didn’t have a computer, but had my husband’s phone. Often you hear people say “how did we ever live without that item”? I often think about that with cell phones in general. But, for every person, is an iphone needed?
That is where I get stuck. I struggle with the constant push to get the latest and greatest. To follow the technology fads and trends. What is the role of technology in life? If we bought every item that advertisers say we should buy, we would all be swimming in clutter and items that we don’t need. With that said, how many items have you given in to? Do you REALLY need them? Or are they just something you WANT? Buying what you want is not necessarily bad in and of itself, but it is a trend that is hard to put a halt to.
Do I need an iphone? I would love one. There are features about it that would be so convenient. But that’s just it: convenient. I do not need to live a life of convenience. My tracfone that I pay for by the minute, suits me just fine. No, I can’t check my email on demand, but I use my husband’s old computer to do that. I can’t always open mass text messages, but I figure if someone really needs to get ahold of me, they can call me. I can’t look up directions, but a map in our vehicle typically works and so does a phone call to the destination I am trying to find. I can’t play a game when I am waiting, but it gives me time to just sit and think. Read a book or a magazine. Or just soak in the world around me.
How much do we miss in life because our heads are glued to an electronic device? How often do you just sit and look outside? Sit outside and read a book? Take a look up and see someone in need? Having too many gadgets, just because of the trends you are trying to live up to, may not be as fulfilling as you think. When you see the next model coming out, do you think “I’ve got to have that?” If so, have you thought about those who do NOT have, so that you CAN have? Again, I am not saying that an iphone or all the time-saving gadgets are bad. I just think we need to think more about the IMPACT that they are having on our lives. Is the impact always positive? Is it helping you live the simple life that you are desiring to live?
What do you think? How do you think technology has influenced our society in a positive OR negative way?
Great post. I have an iPad which I love. It replaced my laptop when it died. I work at home & my job provides the work PC. I have a cell phone but don't have a smartphone. I'm tethered to my computer all day so I like being away from it when I'm out & about.
I like this! Being able to step away IS a beautiful thing!
I love having a smartphone and it would be hard to live without once you get used to it but it is a convenience not a necessity. I moved up from a tracfone a year ago but still don't have a regular data plan. I mostly rely on wifi. So much is spent on expensive plans and high end phones.
The biggest negative I see is the distraction they are when with other people. Way too easy to keep checking phones or messing with them instead of spending time together.
That is exactly how I feel – once you get one, it would be hard to go back :). I agree too, that they can be a distraction – but I realize that even with my tracfone, I can easily pick it up and text someone, when with other people. It's a reality check and it's always something to think about! Thanks for sharing!