TECHNOPHOBIA….IS THERE A CURE?

Have you ever talked to someone who knew a lot about computers? They try to be helpful, but often they’ll talk to you based on the assumption that EVERYONE knows the basics! We know that’s not true. Remember when you first learnt to drive a car? Did you get handed the keys, slapped on the back and told “Off you go”? No? Neither did I. My dad took the time to give me some basic training on how to drive, I read books and I practiced. Yet without basic computer training, if we dare, we often just start the computer up and struggle away, often swearing at that ‘damn’ thing when it does not do what we expect.

Then……… on the other hand who do ask about this ‘porn - pop-up – phishing’ thing you might type your credit card info into. Regardless of the situation, you may have a computer but lack the basic knowledge or may even suffer from technophobia. If you have invested your hard-earned money into a computer, it’s wise to know how to work it.

The Information Revolution 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 hope that technology will just go away and leave us alone, it’s just not going to happen! Its presence affects everyone. At home, at work, on holiday, 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?
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 computer will break," or "I'm such an idiot and everybody knows this but me." - Sound like anyone you know? 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 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?” In contrast, anxious technophobes experience more of the traditional anxiety symptoms. Sweaty palms, heart palpitations, even headaches are typical physical manifestations.
Age doesn’t matter! It is a common myth that only the elderly are affected by technophobia. It 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. Considering it is estimated that between seventy-five and eighty-five percent of the population is technophobic, clearly all age groups are affected.
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 realise that the computer will not break when they touch it and they are NOT the only individuals who don’t know how to use it.
The more a computer is used, 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. Think of it as simply trial and error learning. It’s all a part of the learning process.
Some basis computer training can put you on the right road and give you the confidence to move on. The most important thing to remember is from any training you generally pick up at least one thing you didn’t know…..maybe that one thing will save you a couple of minutes a day, or potentially a couple of hours a month. Either way, knowing how your computer works allows you to be in control of it and not the computer to be in control of you. Remember you have to start somewhere and the beginning is usually the best place!