Psychology behind constant upgrades

Our first computer was an “8088” processor. We also had an “8086.”

Then, we got into “286’s, 386’s, and the big leap of 486’s!” It was huge back in the day. Especially when the “Pentium” (586) came out.

If you don’t know what those are – that is okay.

And as technology “evolves” (and we use that word loosely), when we look back – it all seems similar.

Upgrades are still the same today
While computers and technology have become “amazing” when you put it into perspective, the mindset behind “wanting more” remains the same.

We recall always wanting better, or even the “best” thing you could get when it came to computers.

The money I and my poor family literally WASTED on “high tech” 25+ years ago bugs me.

While we did NOT know what the future would bring, looking back makes you wonder what would have happened if we took a different approach.

Part of me thinks that it would not have been possible to be frugal and prudent with our choices.

Because that is the nature of the “upgrade,” regardless of time, place, quality, performance, or subject matter.

This mindset applies to almost everything in life
Naturally – with different “parameters,” the need to upgrade and “get the best” has always applied. Computers are just a bit easier to reference – because there are (so-called) REAL “metrics.”

People like having (on paper) what was once called “the best.” It doesn’t even need to be a statistic. It can even just be a simple “feeling” of having something better.

We see this all the time. For example, some kids boasting how their “computer rig” got the “highest score” in some kind of testing program.

A temporary feeling of joy for those kids. Then they do not realize that IMMINENTLY after that moment of joy – they will be knocked off the throne.

This happens with almost everything
Cars. Homes. Furniture. Clothing. Appliances. Even PEOPLE!

Humans cannot stop “upgrading.”

Contentment seems to be a relic of the past.

Why is that?

Why do people always poke around..