I Hate Technology! Tech Talk

The “I Hate Technology” Tech Talk

This column usually is about the use of tech, with how to’s, explanations, and tips. This month I want to talk to those of you who are committed to not using tech, who hate, don’t believe in, resent, or have tried and been unsuccessful with learning or using tech. Our generations have not had a choice about technology. Many of us refuse to use it, I did for a long time. In last winter’s Aging and Technology survey many people, even current users of tech, commented on feeling angry about or resenting being forced or expected to embrace a digital world, use technolgy or own tech devices.

But, without technology our world is getting smaller. Instead of the post office, library, local store and town office being information sources, the online, digital, internet world became “the” place to go. Now, it’s almost the only place we can go. We’re losing easy access to information, services, products and people. Non-tech users are unable to access medical test results because they’re online. We can’t get face-to-face appointments, can’t buy the items we want in stores, can’t find phone numbers, and are told we must receive text messages or emails businesses and professionals insist they have to send. And applying for services many of us need, like SNAP and fuel assistance, are now online.

Even our monthly newsletters are threatened. Funders are pressing for COAs to distribute newsletters online only. Why? Because it’s cheaper, no paper, printing, postage, or processing costs. We’ve been lucky this year to be able to continue mailing newsletters. In coming years we most likely will be forced to go online. What then?

What can we do about this situation? Learn only what you need or want to. You can decide to use a device only to access your COA newsletter, send or read email, or listen to music you like. You can learn only how to text to receive family photos, or make an emergency call. There is no need to do anymore than you want to. You decide. It doesn’t have to control you.

And, do not believe for a minute that you can’t learn it. As an educator I have always believed it is a failure of the teacher if the learner doesn’t get it. I hear people say they don’t want a computer or smartphone because the device is so complicated they’d never learn all of it. Sound familiar? I tell folks this. You can use a hammer to hang a picture or you can use a hammer to build a house. You still need a hammer for either task. Having one doesn’t mean you need to learn how to build houses with it. The current COA tech training, broadband hookup and equipment distribution makes it possible for everyone to have and learn just a little, in the ways you learn best, for the purposes you choose.

Please talk with us, we get it! We aren’t here to “push” technology on anyone. We want to hear about why you resent this digital world. And, we don’t expect you to stop “hating” technology. We just want to make your life easier.