Electronic Consumer Goods Became "Luxury" Items

New cars incorporate aspects of cell phones these days, plus they incorporate many additional sensors and electronic systems. Each of the electronic features is sold as a luxury add on. Many people think of smart phones, laptops, and smart watches as luxury lifestyle items, even though smart phones, watches, and laptops are the most mundane mass produced consumer goods there are. Advertising and "social intelligence" have convinced a large chunk of the population that some glass and plastic gizmo that's owned by millions of people is a desirable luxury good that's worth nearly $1000 and a monthly subscription that amounts to $1000 per year.