Are We Addicted To Consumer Electronics?

I came across this great graphic from the Mint.com Blog and it made me ponder our obsession for consumer electronics. I will definitely not sit here and write that I am the exception to the rule. I freaking love my iPhone, I just bought a high-tech printer, I couldn’t live without a high-def LCD TV, and I love my new Keurig coffee maker. I am not as bad as some men in their late twenties, but that’s not the point. I am drawn to learning about the latest and greatest gadget, and so is the majority of our culture. Just look at the press the CES conference got around the world. This graphic tells the story… Shopping is down, but electronics spending is up 13 percent! Maybe this is because we live in a digital age, but maybe it’s because the consumer electronics industry has done a great job at mesmerizing us with the latest and greatest gadget. I have always said that Apple is the worst of the worst or the best of the best, depending how you look at it, at teasing the consumer to replace their gadget every 9 months. Apple continues to add one or two features to their gadgets but always leaves out the one people REALLY

wanted and saves the update for about 6 to 9 months later. They want you to buy the first update, but not be satisfied enough to make you buy the next model 9 months from now. As consumers, we cannot fall into this trap. If we try to keep up with technology, our bank accounts will suffer. We must convince ourselves that life is not easier, more convenient, and more efficient with all of our new gadgets. Just because my Keurig coffee maker saves me a couple of minutes in the morning and I don’t waste a big pot of coffee doesn’t mean that I “HAD” to have it. (by the way, it was a Christmas gift) What are your thoughts? Does this data surprise you? Do you think we’re obsessed with CE? Do you think our culture has a lust for technology? Related Posts: 10 Gifts Under $100 For Men Marriage and Money: Men and Women Have Different Financial Wants and Needs Spending Money Should Not Make You Feel Guilty Starbucks Will Give Away 50 million Free iTunes Songs How To Stay Broke Forever Are We Addicted To Consumer Electronics? is a post from: Money Crashers

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Are We Addicted To Consumer Electronics?