We are all without a doubt, avid consumers of electronics. As such, if we were to keep all the electronics we have ever owned, I'm sure it would fill up an entire cupboard. A common question that any electronic user would ask is: what do I do with my old electronics? All electronic users should realize that it is your responsibility to recycle your own gadgets. Although your old Nokia phone or desktop may appear to have died and never be able to turn on again, you may be surprised to find that your seemingly useless gadget can still contribute in death.

There are many electronics recycling plants that have sprung up since the year 2000. Electronics are made of various materials ranging from steel, gold, copper and even aluminum. If you paid attention in class, you would realize that all these materials can be melted down again alongside any other usable parts to be reused to create new items. For example, the wiring in old computers may hold up to five pounds of copper and circuit boards contain gold. These two metals are used in many other devices and can be taken to be make jewelry or other electronics.

Even old radios, video recorders and cassette tapes can be resold to collectors. This calls for refurbishing works. Refurbishing to reuse old electronic items is just as good as recycling. However, hard drives which contain sensitive information should be properly destroyed to avoid risk of theft of leak of important data. Therefore, it is important to ensure that your electronics recycler is certified to handle your electronics. You can check if an electronics recycler meets proper standards of recycling by verifying if it is certified by accredited independent third parties. Don't forget, that a little effort goes a long way to insure you against future undesirable consequences.

Have you seen a toddler holding on to a mobile phone or a tablet while in a stroller? Did that made you take a second glance or did your eyes bulge at the sight? Or did you glance past without much thought into that scene? It is becoming the norm to come across young children with an electronic device in their hands in cities around the world. The children are disconnected to their surroundings and more often than not, the crowd makes their way around them instead of admonishing them to watch their steps.

This could be an adverse effect that technology has on the future generations. Despite being tech-savvy at a younger age, the piece of electronic also cuts off the need for the child to engage in games with other children. It is now possible for them to be occupied for hours with the games found in their phones. In fact, elementary school children are even discussing their electronics and comparing notes on the available games. Although the child develops an understanding of a technological product at an earlier age, how does it teach these young minds of social interaction?

With the introduction of cyber-learning methods, it is a possibility that computers may replace teachers in schools and in place, the classroom only needs a technician to solve technical problems that arise. If this scenario occurs, it is the child who is at a lost without the human element in their education. Teachers do not just teach a child how to fish; they educate a child to be aware of their environment and the effects of their choices. The young impressionable minds of the children should be molded by human hands instead of the electronics we find littered everywhere and a good start would be to decrease the usage of these devices by the little ones. If possible, the next occasion a child walks by with their faces pressed to an electronic screen, we could ask them to put it away and watch the world around.

It appears that media and entertainment are slowly making way into the cyber world to allow access to a wider international market. Music, movies and even books now become an online commodity, purchased at will or obtained through illegal means. Despite the growing concerns of plagiarism and theft of intellectual property, it is a transfer that is inevitable as consumers are demanding for a wider choice of products available through the web.

A type of platform slowly gaining popularity is one that allows for budding writers to share their creative works online. Writing stories, articles or even daily ramblings are free and easy to publish on the right websites. Host sites such as Blogger and Wordpress are teemed with talented writers who may not find the conventional methods of publishing helpful. In fact, it may be seen as a hindrance when one has to go through editors and publishing houses and even dissuade a writer from sharing his or her breathtaking story with others.

With a simple search on Google, one can find multiple websites where books of various genres can be read online for free or a nominal fee as opposed to the price of a physical book. In the example of the site wattpad.com, this Canadian-based site boasts to host the largest community to discover and share stories. A myriad of genres can be found and although one may expect works of fiction, one can find non-fictional works with accurate facts and even a collection of political analysis by the site users – just to name a few.

In Wattpad's terms of service, the website explicitly disallows those below the age of 13 and convicted sex offenders from creating an account on the site. Users are also advised to use the site according to the terms stated as the site administrator reserves the right to terminate any account without notice. Perhaps these conscious efforts to ensure the online safety of Wattpad users show how web developers are actively creating a safe environment for all its users. With the transfer of media and entertainment into the World Wide Web, this could ensure a smoother transition for consumers to extend their indulgences to the online network.

In 2013, the whole world was made aware of the Apple vs. Samsung lawsuits. It was a period where non-technologically savvy individuals were made aware of the patent infringing suits between these two multinational companies that saw its peak when courts in various countries ruled in favor of either company. After the entire debacle, consumers worldly still ask the million dollar question: which is better – Apple or Samsung?

As Haydn Shaughnessy wrote on forbes.com, Apple may be in the lead in terms of brand affection, there is a general reluctance to admit Samsung's increasing popularity with the public. As Samsung manufactures a wider variety of products, it is no surprise this electronic giant relies on brand recognition to sell its products. The newest Samsung Note 3 and Gear is a prime example of an increasing portfolio of products. The Gear doubles as a watch and phone with an attractive aesthetics.

Apple users argue that the Android platform varies on all devices hence, unreliable. The similar interface across all Apple products allow for easy usage by existing users. Some have argued that the operating system responds faster and the younger generation is able to pick-up the how to's quickly. In addition, the absence of a malignant virus that could affect the operating system of Apple products boosts its appeal.

The Apple cult would like to believe that Apple still dominates the phone market despite the death of Steve Jobs. The iOS 5, iPod NANO and iPad mini is testament to the innovative ability of Apple to constantly deliver better products to its users. On the other spectrum, Samsung has been churning out new designs and products for the phone market. Being the cheaper alternative allows the wider masses to purchase a smartphone without burning a hole in their pockets.

Apple or Samsung, the choice is yours but keep in mind that electronics do not last a lifetime.