Fear of Technology: Technophobia
Tech·no·pho·bi·a (těk'nə-fō'bē-ə) n. Fear of or aversion to technology, especially computers and high technology. -Related forms: tech'no·phobe' n., tech'no·pho'bic (-fō'bĭk) adj."— (American Heritage Dictionary)
Some common forms of technophobia are:
- Handling a computer.
- Handling the programming for technology driven gadgets and appliances.
First receiving widespread notice during the Industrial Revolution, technophobia has been observed to affect various societies and communities throughout the world. This has caused some groups to take stances against some modern technological developments in order to preserve their ideologies.
In some of these cases, the new technologies conflict with established beliefs, such as personal values in simplicity and modest lifestyles. A number of examples of technophobic ideas can be found in multiple forms of art, ranging from literary works such as Frankenstein to films like Metropolis and Cloudy With A Chance Of Meatballs. Many of these works portray the darker side of technology as seen by the technophobic.
As technologies become increasingly complex and difficult to understand, people are more likely to harbor anxieties relating to their use of modern technologies.
Treatment for the average technophobe is providing education and information. Some extreme cases may need to seek the counsel of a therapist, however most just need the willingness to address their anxiety and commit to the learning curve.
The reality is that within 5 years the ways in which we conduct business, both in our personal and professional lives, will be online. Many of you may have already mastered the programming for the many household gadgets or simple computer use tasks, but it is more likely that you have passed on this task to your children or grandchildren.
Virtual-e-Yours offers technology coaching for individuals and groups. Let us know what keeps you from engaging with the world of technology.
