Exploitable Objectification versus Concentrated Investment

[The Voice of Time]

In ones dealing with things, and alternatively ones dealing with humans, what are the pros and cons of dealing with it/them as exploitable objects versus dedicated investment into the thing/human in question? And what is ultimately the best strategy?

If you make something more and more of an exploitable object, you seem to be able to consummate a more diverse range of things. Consider for instance cellphones. These items are one of those things which we use a lot but most of us don't really care about that much, although with the advent of smart phones our interests in them have grown. Now should you split your time into merely learning the most basic necessary functions of your smart phone, and using the extra time that you've gotten because of this to buy and consume a lavishly good meal, or should you invest that time you'd spend on the lavishly good meal (and the money) on getting the most out of your phone?

Now another example to the contrary. With dedicated investment, you are exploring the boundaries of possibilities and the values of things, taking time, effort and possibly money away from other things to nourish the thing/human in question. The example is love and friendship. Should you take your time and invest your efforts and money into just one individual, to get to know it very deeply and building a personal culture between the two of you, or should you rather focus on nourishing a group of friends were everybody know each other at some depth, but not really the really deep depths of each other, however, experiencing a greater abundance of humour potential (more things happen, more colourful pool of personality traits, etc.), manpower for tasks (imagine you're living in an Amish-like society, and having just your family versus having a rather good relationship with most of the males of your local community) and knowledge from the sum knowledge pool... what is the best choice really here?