Interesting skewer of America. In the recent iPad announcement there were over 20 countries listed in the immediate roll out zone and they had a special shout out to China. This isn't American consumerism run amok. It is a world wide trend.
The modern smart phone has replaced the phone, pager, GPS, mp3 player, camera, note book, FM radio, in many cases computer, and so much more. The device is $500 of replace nearly $10K of equipment. Often for a subsidized price. The modern phablet can replace most technology in your life, and since the advent of cloud storage and ubiquitous connectivity you get along quite well. I have... get this... 16TB of cloud based storage at my house. That's not a mistake or typo. I run my own cloud services and they are legion. But it makes my life easier to have things digitized.
My nearing 80 year old dad has an iPhone. I was going to say he isn't much a princess texting or a self obsessed bazillionaire wanting the latest and greatest. But, I'll tease him later about that. His phone isn't the newest (iPhone 3GS) but the new phones means he'll move up to a 4S as he doesn't like the size of the 5. My nearing 80 year old mom had an iPad but hated it. She went back to using a Kindle Paperwhite. It is very basic. Her phone is an OLD Samsung flip phone. She doesn't want one but she'll likely get a new iPhone this year. I provide and manage all their tech and I make sure what they need and want as needs are met. It isn't easy.
The fact is that much of this is different strokes for different folks. I ride one brand and kind of motorcycle because I like it. I don't justify it. When somebody says I'm a self absorbed slob of a BMW jerkophile for merely owning a teutonic metal mayhem motorcycle I grin, flip them off, and ride away happy. Pretty much the same thing with tech. I own technology because it makes my life easier, better, more fun, and generally more enjoyable. Pretty much the same reason I ride motorcycles.
My post / question was not meant to 'skewer' anyone. And being a 'techno-caveman' I admit to not knowing the phenomenon was world wide. It just amazes me that people will line up @ midnight and camp in cold weather to acquire the latest phone. tablet, whatever, when the old one they already have is less than one year old??
And I certainly was not besmirching your parents & or anyone like them. They raised a son whom it appears looks after them. They have my respect right there....