Do we replace technology too quickly?

Technology has become a new status symbol in today’s modern world.

Instead of saving up for an expensive car or designer labels, people are instead upgrading their smartphones, laptops and tablets.

Brands like Apple and Samsung are constantly updating their devices and releasing new models. If you buy the ‘top of the line’ smartphone, it will be replaced by the next generation device, sometimes in less than 12 months.

While it’s exciting to have the latest and greatest products on the market, this is also creating a mentality where we replace rather than repair devices.

It’s expensive, and more importantly, leads to a huge amount of pollution.

In 2018, global e-waste is projected to hit 50m tonnes. Though it is possible to recycle electronics, many people are in the dark about where or how to do this in their local communities.

Which begs the question – do we replace technology too quickly? Home electronics were once so expensive that throwing them away wasn’t an option – they would need to be repaired and maintained.

Would it be better if we returned to this way of life and emphasised repairing rather than replacing our devices? Do we replace technology too quickly? Share your views in the comments below.