Technology

I've always loved having an IP certified gadget. I made it a point to get a water resistant phone and camera because I believe in durability and longevity. Also, it becomes easier to drop these things accidentally - less pain to the heart leads to a longer life. I also try as much as possible to know what's the latest and get the latest if finances permit. This is the culture that I grew up with. And this is the only culture that I knew.

Until I got robbed twice, had my phone not functioning for a week due to water log(which was my fault in the first place) and even accidentally left my phone in a cab (although it got returned to me) on different occasions. These events jilted me from the high perch that I must always have the latest and the greatest. Knowing that these things can get lost, stolen and broken put things in perspective. The subject hit closer to home when my sister broker her phone yesterday. She was waiting for me when she accidentally dropped it and it got run over by a taxi cab. At first I didn't know what to tell her as the worst situation I had was having my phone stolen from me (not breaking it). Seeing that the phone still turned on, I kept telling her that "at least it's still alive", albeit a Phonekenstein. We then had a discussion as to which phone she should get next and I gave my advice. I'm now at a point where I try not to get the "best" but get the best value for money.

Which brings me to the culture that I grew up in and have grown out of. Consciously and unconsciously we have been grown up to believe that we must always have the bigger, the better, the shinier and the best to maximize what we have out of life. Contrary to popular belief, this must be unlearned. It's just like being in a game. You must have "this" to get to the "next level". You spend hours and hours perfecting your skills and collecting stuff that would enable you to reach the peak. At the end though, what do you get? Satisfaction that you finished the game? No offense to gamers as I have invested quite a number of hours myself on specific games. But what exactly do we get out of it? Does it bring you closer to your friends? It might if it's online. Does it have a physical or monetary prize attached to it? It doesn't. After finishing the game, all you could account for is several cans of Pepsi, eyebags and tired fingers. It didn't get you a house and lot, unless you're doing this for living. And the hours that you spent on it could've gotten you closer to getting that house and lot by having more time in setting up a business or studying.

It becomes a vicious cycle that's difficult to get out of unless one encounters a life changing event.

So now, when I buy technology,  These four questions will help frame your desire to buy:

•  Will this tech bring me closer to God?
• Will this bring me closer to my family and friends?
•  Will this help me achieve my personal goals or make me better as a person?
• Will buying this technology help me serve the community?

I admit that I still struggle even if I pose those questions to myself. But it's something to think about when one is itching to get the "latest".

Technology should serve you, not the other way around.