About National Device Appreciation Day
On December 17th, we take a moment to look around at all the little electronic helpers in our lives and say a big, heartfelt "Thank You!"
That’s right, it's National Device Appreciation Day in the USA, a holiday that encourages us to recognize how much our phones, laptops, tablets, and even our smartwatches contribute to our daily routines.
From keeping us connected to loved ones thousands of miles away to entertaining us on a long commute, our gadgets are truly indispensable. They’ve become our personal assistants, our libraries, our navigation systems, and even our wallets.
This day is a fun and practical reminder to not only appreciate the power of modern technology but also to take steps to care for and protect these essential tools.
Did you know? The consumer electronics industry is a huge global market, with sales valued in the billions annually.
Why National Device Appreciation Day
So, how exactly do you show appreciation for a device that can't understand words? It’s all about actions!
This holiday is a great excuse to finally tackle that digital and physical maintenance you’ve been putting off. Think of it as a pampering day for your phone or a deep-cleaning session for your laptop.
Here are a few ways you can celebrate National Device Appreciation Day:
The Digital Deep Clean: Declutter your digital life! Delete old files and photos, uninstall apps you haven't used in six months, and organize your remaining apps into folders. Your device will thank you with improved speed and efficiency.
A Physical Polish: Give your phone screen, laptop keyboard, and tablet casing a good, gentle cleaning. Use appropriate, safe cleaning products—no pouring water on the keys! Remove all the crumbs, dust, and fingerprints that have accumulated over the year.
The Software Check-Up: Take a few minutes to check that all your operating systems and essential apps are up to date. Updates often include security patches and performance improvements that are vital for your device's health.
The Protection Plan: The day is often promoted as a reminder to ensure your most important devices—like your phone and laptop—are properly insured against theft, damage, or loss. Take a moment to check your homeowners, renters, or a dedicated device insurance policy to make sure you're covered.
Share Your Story: Did a device save you in a pinch? Did a friend's old phone take an epic tumble? Share your best or worst device stories on social media using the hashtag #NationalDeviceAppreciationDay to join the conversation.
History of Device Appreciation
While the holiday itself is a modern observance focused on our contemporary gadgets, the concept of appreciating the tools that make our lives easier is as old as time. It harks back to major moments in technological history.
From the invention of the first general-purpose computer, ENIAC, in 1946, to the launch of the first iPhone in 2007, each milestone has given us a new, more powerful device to integrate into our lives.
Today's smart devices are the culmination of decades of innovation, standing on the shoulders of giants like the transistor—the tiny electronic switch that replaced huge vacuum tubes—which was invented in 1947. These incredible pieces of engineering let us carry more computing power in our pockets than was available in entire buildings just a few decades ago.
Taking a moment to appreciate this technological journey is part of what National Device Appreciation Day is all about!
Did you know? An average American home has dozens of electronic devices, and their collective energy use can account for up to 15% of the total household consumption.
Get Involved!
Ready to get celebrating? Pick one device—your smartphone is a great start—and give it the attention it deserves. Back up your photos, wipe down the screen, and maybe even treat it to a brand-new, colorful case!
If you're feeling extra appreciative, you could even look into donating an old, functional device to a charity that helps connect those who can’t afford new technology. It’s a great way to appreciate what you have while helping others get connected too.
Enjoy the day, and be nice to your tech!
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