From sports cars to spy cameras to power tools and cordless devices, kids love technology. Most men have at least one high-tech obsession. It could be the latest gas grilling equipment, a state-of-the-art fly rod, the newest graphite golf clubs, computers, electronic devices; the list is endless. Guys obviously love gadgets, but why? Here are some possible reasons.
The “Wow” factor. Let’s face it: a shiny new techno-toy is great. From the latest plasma screen televisions to slim and stylish mobile phones, a beautifully designed machine is sure to catch a man’s eye. Many devices are designed to maximize the cool appeal: electronic card shufflers for your family’s card shark; stylish MP3 players and cell phones that look good in the city; computer speakers that look like contemporary sculptures. The “wow” factor is elusive and is generally a combination of style and function.
It’s about status. State-of-the-art technology is a status symbol. And even those of us who insist that we don’t care about such things, we feel a secret thrill in owning the latest and greatest. Those devices cost money and send a signal that the owner has them to spare. They also give the impression that the owner is polite, modern and up-to-date. Most social species have ways of determining status among their members, and humans are one of the most complex social species in the world. Techno-gadgets are just one of the ways kids can show their status to their peers.
They make boys feel like children again. Most men start their love affair with braces at a young age. Young children love remote control cars, video games, kiddie tools, and more. A new device can make a kid feel like a kid again. Playing with high-tech toys is something that never changes. It is exciting, fascinating and fun, just like when I was a child. Most kids get as excited now when they get a device for Christmas as they did when they were much younger. It’s no wonder gifts are a quick and easy way to get to a man’s heart.
Believe it or not, they are practical. Gadgets allow you to do things that you couldn’t do otherwise. A state-of-the-art laptop can allow you to do everything from recording your own music to creating your own e-commerce business. A feature-packed cell phone lets you check your email, play your favorite music, and even download a movie or TV series, as well as keep in touch with your friends. A well-made power tool allows you to build anything from furniture to sailboats to motorcycles from scratch. Guys love gadgets because they not only make our lives easier, but they make impossible achievements commonplace.
Entertainment value. Technology not only improves our lives, it also makes things more fun. Entertainment technology has come a long way in recent decades, from early television and radio to next-generation plasma screens, video games with stunning graphics, and more. No matter what you like to do for entertainment, technology takes fun to a whole new level. And it is everywhere in our culture: almost everyone has a television, a radio, a CD collection, a computer, and many other devices. Today, even our simplest and most familiar toys have received a technological overhaul: dolls walk and talk; teddy bears play songs and tell stories; and toy cars have remote controls.
The avant-garde is addictive. Once you get into the techno-toys, it’s hard to stop. You get excited when you see the newest model on the market. You read about the new features, look at the reviews, shop until the price drops, and then jump into the best deal. If you love gadgets, it’s hard not to keep up with the latest trends. No matter the type of tool, the technology industry is making new developments every year. This year’s gadgets have more to offer than last year, and next year’s tech toys are sure to make this year look like stone tools. When you love technology, it’s hard not to keep up with the latest trends.
It’s not just men who love gadgets. Women are getting involved too. In fact, the sleek, sleek lines of today’s technology – from slim plasma screen televisions to sleek cell phones and MP3 players – are likely designed to appeal to both women and men. Technological advances have allowed us to do things our ancestors never dreamed of. With all we can do with devices, it’s hard not to love them, no matter who you are.