Technophobia

Being in the tech support field, I come across technophobia a lot. People are often afraid of breaking their devices, perhaps even terrified that if they do something wrong, Steve Jobs and Bill Gates will personally come to their homes and berate them. People - this isn't true.

There is no almighty higher power that shuns you if you don't connect your iPhone to your computer. Big Brother is unaware of your anti-virus software (or lack thereof). Contrary to popular belief, the employees at tech-type stores do not openly mock you (though occasionally we will in the back, but that's only if you're an ass hat). There is no need to apologize for your lack of technical knowledge or skill. I know this may come as a surprise, but your devices are not capable of killing you. Perhaps I should add a caveat here: Your devices can electrocute you if you use them in the water or do other stupid things. That is bad. Additionally, if you have a CRT TV or old iMac or eMac(the ones that look like there's a bubble coming out) - dispose of it carefully. I have no desire to call the haz mat team because you thought it would be fun to take it apart or leave it on the curb.

This post was motivated by a recent conversation with someone who shall remain nameless (unless I talked to you personally and already told you who it is while openly mocking him). He received another call while we were talking (on his HOME phone, mind you), and was convinced he'd hung up on me. I assured him that I was still there - paused, and verified that he was at home and not on a cell phone. Yes, indeed, he told me, he was at home. Furthermore, this is the phone he has had for several years. He claimed that he was a 'techno-phobe' and was thus incapable of learning call waiting. Yes folks, I said call waiting. The technology that's been in use for a MINIMUM of 15 years, and is only complicated for 75 and 80 year olds. Granted, there are some phones I have difficulty operating - mostly from lack of knowledge, but I cannot blame my ignorance on being scared of said phone. If you make a mistake, will the phone bite you? Does the procedure involve anything other than pressing a single button? No - then don't blame the issue on being afraid of technology so much as not being interested in learning about it. I'm good with that. I can understand that. I can even relate to that - but if you're capable of operating a motor vehicle, I assure you you are capable of making a phone call. Not sure about that? RTFM!