David777
Well-known Member
- Location
- Silicon Valley
As someone with a technical career, I spent decades using technology, demonstrating others how to do so, writing clear procedures to do so, holding teaching classes to groups, and even wearing product phone customer support hats.
For those using web forums, one might divide members into two camps, those that only ever post in unformatted text and those that post using the simple site formatting tools like Bolding and can post images. Obviously, many on this and other forums that just ever post in basic text, get along fine and feel no need to do anything more, keeping life simple. It isn't that the process for doing any of this is difficult or that instructions are poor, or that a moderator or others haven't posted How To threads of what to do, but rather is usually a philosophy, an attitude people adopt resisting trying to do most anything technical others don't force them to.
When at workplaces and are expected to perform some simple documented processes with some equipment, they suddenly with a smile are able. Yeah, as a retail clerk, they are able to run the LCD display payment register, after their manager demonstrated whatever and showed them the Help screen button to remember how to do so. Then they learn to do whatever with a smile in order to keep their job and a paycheck. And when they have to login to their healthcare website, and go through a few computer windows to reach their Appointments page to receive that subscription for their headache, they somehow quietly figure that out.
But otherwise, they tend to make excuses and resist trying to follow suggestions of others, like it is all too much and don't have the time or patience. This is nothing new. Became a joke decades ago when color television sets first appeared with a few extra knobs and then a few years later when VCRs appeared. At some level for everyone, directions to use technology is indeed difficult to understand, like programming a commercial router. And though some directions for use are poor, like that toy you bought for Billy, Made in China, most for simple products are quite understandable if directions are followed.
Some will blurt out, "I'm not one that comprehends from reading directions, someone needs to show me how." Well yes, some people have poor language skills, especially immigrants, a few people never went to school or didn't pay attention, a few people were born with mental limitations and defects like dyslexia. But the majority are just playing an "I can't game", as a technophobia attitude. "I want someone to hold my hand, smile, and show me. And don't tell me to RTFM...I don't want others to think I might be able to do things without help."
We in this era have increasing numbers of devices to deal with because software via microprocessor controls have invaded all manner of products to improve features. Life is more complex in many ways. Decades ago, a toaster would only have a Power lamp. Today, some are more like microwave ovens with LCDs with temperature and time settings.
One can of course get along by using just a minimum of technology, especially in more remote rural regions. But such is not an option in urban areas or within most fields of employment or to even receive a license to drive that pickup truck. Don't want to? Sure, fine, start walking...the supermarket is 2 miles down the street. And I'll give that cool video game present that I was going to give you for Christmas instead to Bob, and wrap up that fancy ribboned bottle of whiskey for you.
Google AI Overview
Poor attitudes towards learning tech often stem from technophobia, lack of confidence, overwhelm, or negative past experiences, especially for older adults or those facing poor design, leading to resistance or anxiety, but these can be overcome by focusing on perceived benefits, simple training, and supportive environments, as many people want tech to help but feel blocked.
Common Reasons for Poor Attitudes:
For those using web forums, one might divide members into two camps, those that only ever post in unformatted text and those that post using the simple site formatting tools like Bolding and can post images. Obviously, many on this and other forums that just ever post in basic text, get along fine and feel no need to do anything more, keeping life simple. It isn't that the process for doing any of this is difficult or that instructions are poor, or that a moderator or others haven't posted How To threads of what to do, but rather is usually a philosophy, an attitude people adopt resisting trying to do most anything technical others don't force them to.
When at workplaces and are expected to perform some simple documented processes with some equipment, they suddenly with a smile are able. Yeah, as a retail clerk, they are able to run the LCD display payment register, after their manager demonstrated whatever and showed them the Help screen button to remember how to do so. Then they learn to do whatever with a smile in order to keep their job and a paycheck. And when they have to login to their healthcare website, and go through a few computer windows to reach their Appointments page to receive that subscription for their headache, they somehow quietly figure that out.
But otherwise, they tend to make excuses and resist trying to follow suggestions of others, like it is all too much and don't have the time or patience. This is nothing new. Became a joke decades ago when color television sets first appeared with a few extra knobs and then a few years later when VCRs appeared. At some level for everyone, directions to use technology is indeed difficult to understand, like programming a commercial router. And though some directions for use are poor, like that toy you bought for Billy, Made in China, most for simple products are quite understandable if directions are followed.
Some will blurt out, "I'm not one that comprehends from reading directions, someone needs to show me how." Well yes, some people have poor language skills, especially immigrants, a few people never went to school or didn't pay attention, a few people were born with mental limitations and defects like dyslexia. But the majority are just playing an "I can't game", as a technophobia attitude. "I want someone to hold my hand, smile, and show me. And don't tell me to RTFM...I don't want others to think I might be able to do things without help."
We in this era have increasing numbers of devices to deal with because software via microprocessor controls have invaded all manner of products to improve features. Life is more complex in many ways. Decades ago, a toaster would only have a Power lamp. Today, some are more like microwave ovens with LCDs with temperature and time settings.
One can of course get along by using just a minimum of technology, especially in more remote rural regions. But such is not an option in urban areas or within most fields of employment or to even receive a license to drive that pickup truck. Don't want to? Sure, fine, start walking...the supermarket is 2 miles down the street. And I'll give that cool video game present that I was going to give you for Christmas instead to Bob, and wrap up that fancy ribboned bottle of whiskey for you.
Google AI Overview
Poor attitudes towards learning tech often stem from technophobia, lack of confidence, overwhelm, or negative past experiences, especially for older adults or those facing poor design, leading to resistance or anxiety, but these can be overcome by focusing on perceived benefits, simple training, and supportive environments, as many people want tech to help but feel blocked.
Common Reasons for Poor Attitudes:
- Fear & Insecurity: Technophobia (fear of tech) and low confidence, especially in older adults, makes them feel incapable.
- Overwhelm & Frustration: Too many features, complex setups, or unreliable products create annoyance and resistance (e.g., "It's needy!").
- Lack of Perceived Value: If they don't see how it helps them, they won't bother, feeling it's an inconvenience rather than a benefit.
- Negative Experiences: Previous bad encounters with tech can create lasting negative attitudes.
- Resistance to Change: General discomfort with new things, sometimes linked to wanting to stick to familiar methods (Neo-Luddism).
- Eager Adopters: Love experimenting.
- Resisters: Scared, angry, overwhelmed.
- Prove-Its: Wait to be shown clear value before engaging.
- Focus on Benefits: Highlight how tech solves their specific problems (convenience, connection).
- Simplify Training: Provide patient, step-by-step guidance, as many seniors need setup help.
- Build Confidence: Start small, offer support, and celebrate small wins to combat low self-efficacy.
- Address Concerns: Acknowledge issues like security or complexity directly.
- Supportive Environment: Create learning spaces where asking questions
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