Why does one buy items like an Alexa? I get that it performs some features, it slightly increases convenience but it does not enable anything new or different.
Something I do not understand about hackernews: There are a lot of people on here who, on average, care about the environment. By the same token, there are many users here who have an interest in electronics and technology, and are just generally interested in new gadgets.
How do you square buying gadgets with being somewhat conscious of the mounting environmental problems? The amount of electronic waste, the almost literal slave labour to mine the resources, the energy necessary to transport and assemble the parts, and the final device.
All to not use one's smartphone's assistant but a home assistant.
The consumer does not ask himself 'why do I consume', every decision is in the framework of making consumerist choices (e.g. buy a Tesla instead of a Jeep), the option 'I do not need to consume most of these things at all' is barely present.
So I am honestly asking to people buying these things, what is the thought process? Is there a feeling of happiness or joy in having new gadgets? Does it last? Are environmental or more generally philosophical considerations on whether you need to buy new things part of your thought process?