Although the newest electronics and technological gadgets are among the most popular holiday gifts each year, they may not be the best gifts, says a Purdue University professor who studies how people interact with technology.
Beverly J. Davis, an associate professor of organizational leadership and supervision, says the holidays are a prime time to be wary of falling victim to what she calls "technoism," and blindly purchasing each new technology.
Davis defines technoism, a term she coined, as the tendency to impulsively purchase or use new technological devices out of a fear of being labeled old-fashioned instead of based on need. This time of year, technoism can run rampant as companies unveil new products for the holiday season and young people clamor for the latest, trendiest gadgets.
"Each year electronics companies come out with new versions of their products for the holiday season," Davis says. "Ask yourself, is this newest video game system or MP3 player worth the several hundred dollars to upgrade from what you or your children already have? Or, are you just buying it so that you can have the newest, flashiest products? At this time of year, kids are very good at reflecting technoism onto their parents by pressuring them to keep them in the technological loop."
Davis says people should evaluate the gifts they buy in the same way they evaluate technology purchases they make for themselves. Avoid technoism by considering whether the technology you are buying will be used and whether it will actually make life easier or better, she says. Avoid making purchases simply because something is new or because you want to keep up with friends who may be purchasing the gadgets.
Beverly J. Davis, an associate professor of organizational leadership and supervision, says the holidays are a prime time to be wary of falling victim to what she calls "technoism," and blindly purchasing each new technology.
Davis defines technoism, a term she coined, as the tendency to impulsively purchase or use new technological devices out of a fear of being labeled old-fashioned instead of based on need. This time of year, technoism can run rampant as companies unveil new products for the holiday season and young people clamor for the latest, trendiest gadgets.
"Each year electronics companies come out with new versions of their products for the holiday season," Davis says. "Ask yourself, is this newest video game system or MP3 player worth the several hundred dollars to upgrade from what you or your children already have? Or, are you just buying it so that you can have the newest, flashiest products? At this time of year, kids are very good at reflecting technoism onto their parents by pressuring them to keep them in the technological loop."
Davis says people should evaluate the gifts they buy in the same way they evaluate technology purchases they make for themselves. Avoid technoism by considering whether the technology you are buying will be used and whether it will actually make life easier or better, she says. Avoid making purchases simply because something is new or because you want to keep up with friends who may be purchasing the gadgets.
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