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The wildest success of capitalism for me has been the continual smartphone treadmill. It almost seems like the less someone makes the more they feel compelled t

by ehnto 4y ago

The wildest success of capitalism for me has been the continual smartphone treadmill. It almost seems like the less someone makes the more they feel compelled to spend money on smartphones, I guess it's likely symbolic of status these days. I live pretty comfortably, and I don't feel like I could afford a $1500 smartphone, and yet almost everyone I meet no matter their income seems to have a better phone than me.

trey-jones 4y ago
I was thinking of smartphones in particular with that comment and I agree with you completely.
SketchySeaBeast 4y ago
I think it's an obtainable status symbol. They may never have a fancy car or a nice house or even a top of the line TV, but they can have a nice phone, and for some people I'm sure that's important to have SOMETHING to have status about. It's also the primary form of entertainment and socializing for some people so I can understand wanting to have a nice screen.
- bombcar 4y ago
  They've also perfected the "it's only $x a month!" sales technique - combine this with anyone who dares to try to use an older Android phone just absolutely being shit on (you need to be pretty technically savvy to pick one that can stay up to date) and most people will lean into "get the new one".
  - SketchySeaBeast 4y ago
    Thankfully I think most Samsungs are offering 5 years of updates now, so that's getting better (I assume most people are buying Samsungs as they really have become the face of high-end Android).
harimau777 4y ago
Do you own a computer or tablet? It may be that those with lower incomes spends more on a smartphone because it is their only way to access the internet.
- ehnto 4y ago
  Fair point of discussion, I do indeed own a computer and I loath doing anything on my phone that I could have done on my computer.
- trey-jones 4y ago
  This is fair - since a personal phone is arguably required in today's society and most people will have one regardless of income. It does not satisfy me that you need the latest and greatest phone however. I bought a Chromebook for $200 probably 5 years ago that my wife still uses for all of the things that she doesn't want to use the phone for. There are still decent computers that are available for far lower prices than top-of-the-line phones. It all goes back to personal finance vs. capitalism. Big Business wants you to believe that only the best smartphone will do, no matter your budget (what budget, haha?). If you don't make that much money and you want to escape eternal debt-hell, you have to overcome this mindset and find good budget options. And I maintain that it can be done. Move out of the city. Establish trusting relationships through your own hard work and good faith efforts. Swallow your pride and lean respectfully and gratefully on friends and/or family if you have to. And then be there when someone needs you for the same. Big Business also wants you to believe that it's every man for himself, but that doesn't have to be true either.

by ehnto 4y ago

trey-jones 4y ago

I was thinking of smartphones in particular with that comment and I agree with you completely.

SketchySeaBeast 4y ago

I think it's an obtainable status symbol. They may never have a fancy car or a nice house or even a top of the line TV, but they can have a nice phone, and for some people I'm sure that's important to have SOMETHING to have status about. It's also the primary form of entertainment and socializing for some people so I can understand wanting to have a nice screen.

bombcar 4y ago
They've also perfected the "it's only $x a month!" sales technique - combine this with anyone who dares to try to use an older Android phone just absolutely being shit on (you need to be pretty technically savvy to pick one that can stay up to date) and most people will lean into "get the new one".
- SketchySeaBeast 4y ago
  Thankfully I think most Samsungs are offering 5 years of updates now, so that's getting better (I assume most people are buying Samsungs as they really have become the face of high-end Android).

harimau777 4y ago

Do you own a computer or tablet? It may be that those with lower incomes spends more on a smartphone because it is their only way to access the internet.

ehnto 4y ago
Fair point of discussion, I do indeed own a computer and I loath doing anything on my phone that I could have done on my computer.
trey-jones 4y ago
This is fair - since a personal phone is arguably required in today's society and most people will have one regardless of income. It does not satisfy me that you need the latest and greatest phone however. I bought a Chromebook for $200 probably 5 years ago that my wife still uses for all of the things that she doesn't want to use the phone for. There are still decent computers that are available for far lower prices than top-of-the-line phones. It all goes back to personal finance vs. capitalism. Big Business wants you to believe that only the best smartphone will do, no matter your budget (what budget, haha?). If you don't make that much money and you want to escape eternal debt-hell, you have to overcome this mindset and find good budget options. And I maintain that it can be done. Move out of the city. Establish trusting relationships through your own hard work and good faith efforts. Swallow your pride and lean respectfully and gratefully on friends and/or family if you have to. And then be there when someone needs you for the same. Big Business also wants you to believe that it's every man for himself, but that doesn't have to be true either.