Why Aren't We Fixing Broken Tech?

We are surrounded by technological phenomenons everywhere we go, with cellular phones being the fastest growing one ever. As cell phones continue becoming more and more popular, people are throwing out their old or broken phones for the newest smartphones. It makes sense wanting the security of a perfect, new phone considering their huge involvement in our everyday lives. In America, 95% of adults aged 18-29 own a smartphone with many people owning multiple devices. These devices have an average lifespan before replacement of almost three years, but the costs to upgrade continue to skyrocket. It’s obvious people feel the need to have their phones with them for multiple reasons, but why replace expensive tech when it can be repaired for less?

When our phones don’t function, we don’t either. Our smartphones have grown to become an extension of each of us, being our tool to connect with people and quickly find out information about whatever we want, whenever we want. It’s everyday accidents like the phone falling out of a pocket, or being knocked off a table, or falling into the toilet that makes us rush to the factory service and order a brand new phone. Americans throw away over 350,000 phones per day while there are options of repairing the phone ourselves. Not only does repairing your phone on your own save your wallet, but it helps save some waste from the environment.

With the help of YouTube tutorials, nearly 1 in 3 cost efficient phone owners have attempted tech repairs themselves. Fixes can be complicated, so if online tutorials can’t help, independent repair shops can still provide the repairs you need without breaking your budget. Our phones are our lives - being smart and caring for them will help not waste money on new models every year. Learn more about the roles our phones play in our lives with the infographic below.