I was ripping open my Christmas presents, searching for the one that I so desperately wanted. After I opened all of my gifts, I realized that my parents, or Santa, or even the Flying Spaghetti Monster, all hate me. Once again, I didn’t get the iPhone I wanted.

I love technology. It has shaped and connected the world a thousand times over, and it is a life saver that should be respected. However, it can also be a nightmare that needs to be discarded.

Well, maybe it shouldn’t be completely disposed of. If there is a problem with a device, more often than not, all that needs to be done is replace it with something new.

In my case, it is my cell phone.

I currently have a Pantech Laser. It is not the worst phone out there, but it is no iPhone.

You may call me a selfish unappreciative jerk who is just complaining about not having an iPhone but hear me out. I have had this phone for over two years now and, fact is, I need an iPhone or smartphone. It is not me wanting one, it is me needing one.

More and more as the world is becoming modernized and full of new technology, the need to stay on track and not fall behind is a challenge and a necessity.

My older siblings, who are gone and in college, have exclaimed the great convenience of possessing a smartphone. For example, my brother once received an email from his professor on his way to class, informing him that class had been cancelled. At the time, he lived 30 minutes from campus, and if not for his iPhone, he would have driven the entire way only to be disappointed.

My parents once again gave me disappointment for Christmas this year. Not only did I not get the iPhone I wanted, but they still will not let me buy my own.

I am going to need a smartphone at some point, and being the minority simply and technologically sucks.