I'm Kind of a Tech-Not

As many of my readers have mentioned, it has been a while since I have posted anything new. I want to apologize for that, but at the same time let you know that it isn't that I wasn't writing because I was bored with writing. I wasn't able to write or post because my computer died. Completely. I couldn't run any programs, it wouldn't connect to the internet, and the screen blacked out. Basically, my computer usage was severely limited. Since my computer went kaput, I have been doing a little research trying to figure out the best computer to replace it. Believe it or not, I don't use the computer for many things. I talk to friends on Facebook, check my emails, listen to music, and write my blog. That's about it. I don't play computer video games (League of Legends, World of Warcraft, anything like that), I don't randomly search the internet to see what I can find, I don't use fancy programs that require a lot of storage. I just need the basics.

So here is the start of my rant....

Why is it so difficult to get the basics when it comes to technology? I have no need for a super-computer. I wouldn't have the first idea about how to use it; however, despite explaining this to sales associates, and even tech-savvy friends, they all still try to convince me that I need to upgrade from what I was using previously. I say "Nay-Nay!" If what I had performed every job that I needed it to, why would I want to pay extra money for all the bells and whistles that I will never use? That makes absolutely no sense to me.
"But Katelyn, it has all these cool features, and you can download apps, and watch movies and stuff."
I literally couldn't care less about all those things. I think technology is over-used anyway, (I prefer in-person contact), so why would I buy a device that sucks me deeper into the Technological World and pulls me away from real-life contact...? This goes for everything from computers, to cell phones, m-pods or i-p3s, tablets, and all the other types of technology that I don't know about.

I didn't get a cell phone until I moved into college. But even then, I started off with a pre-pay service using TracFone. My phone will make calls, and send/receive text messages. That's all I need it to do. It's been five years, and I'm still using TracFone. Friends ask why I don't upgrade to a "real cell phone carrier" because they are so much better. Once again, I don't understand why I should get a phone with more on it to distract me and pay $80 a month or more when I can pay the same $80 and buy minutes that will last me an entire year. I don't want to be able to surf the web on my phone, I don't need games on my phone. I have a busy life, so those things would just get in my way. My dinky little phone has done everything I need it to, and works when other people's smart phones have shut down on them.

I realize that I have probably wasted my breath on this rant, living in the Age of Technology and all, but I really don't see the point of upgrading just to upgrade. Don't get me wrong, technology is helpful and has its place, but it shouldn't consume your entire life. I believe we should unplug and get outside to play with our kids; sit down and write a hand-written to a friend instead of sending a chain-email; use social media to coordinate when you are meeting with friends, but don't make it the only place that you "see" them.

So, does anyone else feel the same way about technology, or am I the only person left who hasn't been sucked into the world of Candy Crush, Twitter, and SnapChat? Do you automatically upgrade your phone every six months because a newer version of your phone was just released? Is there a room in your house dedicated to all things electronic? Am I stuck in the Stone Ages, or do you think I have a point? I can't wait to hear what you have to say.