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Client Resources The resources included in the section of our web site have been provided as a courtesy to our clients as well as to those who seek to expand their knowledge in the area of technology as it relates to the business environment. |
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Technophobia?
You’ve Got To Be Kidding!! The Information Revolution that began over 50 years ago with the invention of the first computer, is a mere drop in the proverbial bucket compared to the coming changes of this century. Although some may still harbor the hope that technology will just go away and leave us in a state of relaxed, primordial backwardness, it’s just not going to happen! Its presence is pervasive, affecting everyone. At home, at work, on vacation, in the store, and on our leisure time we rub up against the ever-present microchip. Has there been anything so powerful in human history that has changed our lives as quickly and as profoundly as the seemingly unstoppable march of technology? As technology becomes increasingly prevalent in our society, the fear generated by new technologies grows rapidly among Americans. Says Yogi Berra, “The more things change, the more they don’t stay the same!” Thus spawning a whole new society of technophobes. Technophobia is very much an acknowledged medical condition that affects people both mentally and physically. Feelings of fear, discomfort, self-doubt, or adverse physical reactions towards one or more forms of technology are common indications of the condition. There are actually two forms of Technophobia: cognitive and anxious. The cognitive technophobe is the most common. Cognitive technophobes find themselves frightened or frustrated by the mere thought of having to use technology. Typical self-defeating talk may include: “If I push the wrong button, the machine will break," or "I'm such an idiot and everybody knows this but me." (Sound like anyone you know?). Although cognitive technophobes are the most common, they are also the most difficult to diagnose. Most technophobes think their fear is unique and are therefore, too embarrassed to admit it. They simply “don’t let on” that they don’t really know much about technology out of fear that they will be looked down upon. A telltale sign of a technophobe, “I’ve lived this long without it, why do I need it now?” (You know who you are!) In contrast, anxious technophobes experience more of the traditional anxiety symptoms. Sweaty palms, heart palpitations, even headaches are typical physical manifestations when faced with having to deal with technology. On rare occasions, some technophobes can experience both the mental and physical symptoms of cognitive and anxious technophobia. Does Age Matter? No! It is a common myth that only the elderly are affected by technophobia. Technophobia is not influenced by age. However, some people believe that if you were "born on the right side of 1970 you should have no problems" with technology. Considering it is estimated that between seventy-five and eighty-five percent of the population is technophobic, clearly all age groups are affected. For the most part, technophobia is tied to a person's life experience and how he or she was introduced to technology. It is commonly believed that children are less likely to be fearful of technology as they grow older because they are introduced to computers in the classroom at a very early age. However, studies indicate that over 45% of elementary and secondary school teachers admit to being technophobic. As teachers unwittingly transfer their anxiety towards technology to their students, one can deduce that technophobia among children may only grow. Ah, But There Is A Cure! The good news about technophobia is that there is a cure. As with any phobia, the technophobe must first admit their fear, then deal with it head on. Technophobes must realize that the computer will not break when they touch it and they are NOT the only individuals who don’t know how to use technology. Second, avoid complex terminology. Techno terms can be confusing and intimidating to anyone--technophobe or not!!! If you must partake, consult a user-friendly glossary (like the one included on this website). Third, use it! Certainly there are technological devices that have been introduced in the last 30 years that have challenged our comfort zone--the microwave, remote controls, push button telephones, gasoline pumps, fax machines, ATM’s, and yes even VCR’s. The more that technology is used regularly, the easier it is to let go of the fear. Using computers at work and at home, for example, will only make your life easier. Most importantly, technophobes need to give themselves permission to make a mistake while using technology. Think of it as simply trial and error learning. It’s all a part of the learning process. Technophobes also need to recognize that technology isn’t error free. Software developers often use the general public to fully test their products. That’s why we hear so much about “bugs” and “fixes.” Stuff happens and it’s rarely a result of hapless actions by the user. Technology is certainly here to stay and will only continue to evolve. And for those “born on the right side of 1970,” it’s more important than ever to embrace the world of technology. As noted by Peter Drucker in his latest book, Managing in the Next Society, “The fastest growing segment of the US population is 50-plus—which is expected to soon displace people under the age of 14 for the first time in our history. The focus of teaching is already changing from educating the young to continually updating adult skills.“ Technology will play a pivotal role in reaching out to this segment. The only question now is, are you ready? |
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