Navigating Black Friday as a Tech Addict

Every November, I have one thing on my mind: Black Friday. As a tech enthusiast with a particular love for smartphones, this time of year truly tests my willpower to resist buying a new device. The longest I’ve gone without upgrading was with my iPhone 12 mini, which I held onto for four years. Ironically, that was the phone that deepened my addiction to social media and doomscrolling.

Now, as someone who regularly tests different phones to manage this addiction, I’m always tempted by the latest devices. In a world geared toward overconsumption, it’s challenging to feel content with what you already have. Embracing digital minimalism has been invaluable in helping me realize that technology shouldn't be a status symbol but a tool to make life easier. Leaving the Apple ecosystem was a significant step in breaking the cycle of overspending on pricey devices and accessories. I now have a diverse collection of gadgets from various brands, carefully chosen to support my work as a content creator.

Working from home, my priority is to have tools that function efficiently, not just the latest models. I'm well past the "keeping up with the Joneses" mentality. As a mother of a four-year-old boy, I want him to grow up in a world that values who he is, not what he owns. But every November, as my seasonal depression and anxiety return, my ideals feel harder to hold onto. I don’t need a new phone, camera, or computer, yet the deals make it so tempting to upgrade. What have we become?

Everyone has items they enjoy and spend their hard-earned money on—mine just happens to be tech. Still, I wish I could curb the constant urge to buy. I’m thinking of setting a new goal for 2025: to buy less and be more intentional with every purchase. Overconsumption isn’t something I want to contribute to, and when I do buy, I aim to buy second-hand whenever possible.