are we all materialistic

[Devine.Insanity]

we are all obsessed with technology are we all trapped

[Miktar]

Are.... are you asking a question? Is it a statement? Are you high?

THE MATRIX HAS YOU NEO! FOLLOW THE YELLOW BRICK ROAD!

[Devine.Insanity]

hahahaha i'm high i'm asking a question and making a statement. just wanna see peoples views on the subject.

you gotta love the randomness. :)

[Miktar]

Technology is a natural attraction for us, as it represents perhaps the next evolutionary leap for the species in terms of how we approach the mindspace of ourselves, each other and the global community. Technological Singularity is, after all, seeming inevitable as society finds more and more ways to equalize thinking (as that is a social creature's constructional desire). I wouldn't say we're trapped, however - the nice thing about technology is removing it entirely from your life for the most part is not impossible nor does it negatively affect you except if you need to connect with random people somewhere else on the planet.

Obviously, I'm not saying going Amish is the best thing, but even they survive just fine.

I don't quite see how materialism factors into it, though. Yes, post-industrial civilization is terribly materialistic, some cultures more than others (Americans are awful consumer *****s that stockpile up more useless junk than most people will own in their lives), but that's another matter.

[Devine.Insanity]

yea understand completely but i doubt that there is one gamer (using this example because we in a gaming forum) willing to go amish you right its not impossible but doubt anyone would suddenly one day decide to throw all matter away. all there time and Money spent in the back of minds the whole time. so we are trapped within a system that makes us buy and feel "guilty" when something is lost or stolen. a system based on people consuming so we trapped in this world of want when we don't need. we are addicted to matter that has been created to make life more pleasing. so we trapped in this cycle of want

[HolyMackerel]

I am the one.

I think many people would simply lie down and die without technology. We have become so dependent upon it that we would not know what to do without it.

Can you imagine all TV's, PC, Consoles, handhelds and cellphones stop working?
I know I would go mad with boredom, probably sprout 17 offspring and start talking like a cowboy.

[Chevron]

The big ass companies want it that way. By their plasma tv and your life becomes good. Use their toothpaste and all your marital problems go away.

Obviously it's not just their fault. They merely encourage it. It's the people that fall for it.

My tv is bigger than yours, i'm better than you.

To be honest, i hate it. As cliched as it is. Stuff don't bring happiness. No amount of shoes or new cell phones can fill that whole you're feeling inside.

[HolyMackerel]

I am the one.

I think many people would simply lie down and die without technology. We have become so dependent upon it that we would not know what to do without it.

Can you imagine all TV's, PC, Consoles, handhelds and cellphones stop working?
I know I would go mad with boredom, probably sprout 17 offspring and start talking like a cowboy.

[Cleric]

I don't think that a single person on this forum can claim to not be materialistic. We all love our PCs/360s/HDTVs/etc. But as long as it's just a small part of your person, and you don't let it define you, it's all good.

[wrathex]

"..as it represents perhaps the next evolutionary leap for the species in terms of how we approach the mindspace of ourselves, each other and the global community. "

I agree with that.

The tools we use are extensions of us, we are going for cyborg, and it's happening fast.

We have to embrace our technology it's the only way we'll be able to keep procreating and if you look far enough ahead, that means we have to get into space.

Earth is limited with limited resources, the stars beckon, we are answering the call.

[Devine.Insanity]

The tools we use are extensions of us, we are going for cyborg, and it's happening

thats intense but true we just robots.

[The_Q?]

I don't think that a single person on this forum can claim to not be materialistic. We all love our PCs/360s/HDTVs/etc. But as long as it's just a small part of your person, and you don't let it define you, it's all good.

Don't think that statement is accurate. Wikipedia describes materialistic as:

Materialistic describes a person who is markedly more concerned with material things (such as money and possessions) rather than spiritual, intellectual, or cultural values; an adherent of materialism

Most people on the forum demonstrate a strong appreciation for intellectual & cultural pursuits, while others communicate their opinions on everything from sex to spirituality quite vehemently. Surely then, does the definition of "materialistic" not apply?

I think that society's "obsession with technology" is more a long standing "obsession with stuff". Consumerism is what keeps the technology industry going - if people aren't buying "technology" to fill the void & make themselves happy then it's boats, cars or swimming pools or whatever...

I think at the end of the day, it comes down to an individuals viewpoint of the world. If you're more spiritually minded then you won't place as big a focus on material things...

Remember; you own your possessions, not the other way around.

[phreak]

Last month my internet was down for about a week.... almost went completely insane...

[Cleric]

Maybe I should say that we all have a materialistic side.

[Ruandre]

The things you own end up owning you.

Anyone unashamedly materialistic?

I don't know, material things are pretty ****ing rad!

I'd rather be with than without, you feel me?

[Takiro]

we are all obsessed with technology are we all trapped

Oh yes. So very trapped. Why do you think we're here?