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Why Are Computers Difficult For Many?

Why Are Computers Difficult For Many?

Why do so many people find Computers difficult to understand and use?

Many Difficult Computers Why

I can't answer for everybody, but personally speaking, I would say it is down to whether you were raised with computer knowledge or not.

When I was at school, we did not have computer lessons, so I go at a much slower pace than people who have had computer lessons for most of their lives.

In the UK, nursery classes for 3 year olds teach basic computer skills, obviously increasing with knowledge and skills as the child gets older. I feel that I missed out on a lot of this, as it wasn't available for people of my era.

As I don't need to use computer skills for my job though, it isn't too important personally to me, and I still enjoy the use that I am able to get out of my basic knowledge of computers!

Why Are Computers Difficult For Many? Gaming Video & Issues Computer

I have ran my own computer support business for the past 12 years or so. I have found that the majority of people that have problems, as Diane said, were not raised with the technology. Most of those people that have issues are afraid of "breaking" their computers and think that they will hit a wrong key and delete everything. Another group of people, I found, were simply afraid of change. The thought of adapting to a rapidly changing world terrifies them.

Many Difficult Computers Why

I agree with this up to a point, but maybe I'm a different case. I wasn't raised with technology, but I seem to take to it easily. I learned to use a computer in the 1990's for a job that required it. It was an old IBM 286, for those of you who remember these dinosaurs. (I also used an old Kaypro for a job, which most people have never heard of.) I did well enough with these that had issues with IRQ, jumper switches, etc., and really enjoyed working with them.

However, I do agree that most people over 50 and nearly everyone I know (with a few exceptions) over 60 have a hard time with any kind of new technology: computers, GPS units, MP3 players, VCRs, digital cameras, and DVD players as well.

It brings to mind the quote from someone... "Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic." I don't know who said it, but it rings true in this thread.

Many Difficult Computers Why

I believe that there are two main reasons why people encounter difficulties in understanding and using the computer:

1) Fear of change - This was mentioned in Paindruid's post. I think that people believe in the old school of doing research in the library, typing documents on a typewriter rather than using a tool that they are not familiar with. As Paindruid mentioned, most individuals are fearful that they might break the computer or worse, delete all information by pressing the wrong key. Most people are reluctant to embrace change and this is where the real problem lies.

2) Embarrassment - No one enjoys their peers laughing at them especially when it comes to learning something new. I believe that most individuals are afraid of making mistakes and being taunted by others for it. I remember trying to teach someone (who was older than me) how to use the computer. The lady requested that I should teach her privately after working hours when all her friends left the office. I never asked why but eventually, she confided in me that she did not want to look foolish in front of her friends at work, while learning the computer.

So fear and pride are the biggest obstacles for most individuals, when it comes to learning how to use the computer. Once you are willing to accept change and grow from your mistakes, using and understanding the computer, maybe easier than you think.

Why Are Computers Difficult For Many?

I would have to agree with paindruid in that many people, more specifically the older generations, are afraid of breaking the computer. This is as was also mention a condition that someone that was not raised around technology.

More specifically as I see things, people simply have an aptitude for different things. You hear all the time that one person or another is or is not mechanically inclined. I believe this is all a part of how our brain works. This is a lot of the same as one person being good at math while another person may struggle with it yet have no trouble in english or literature. It seems that the more logically thinking person, who might be more inclined to be good in math or mechanics will have an easier time with computers and other technologies.

While computer concepts and operation can be taught I still find that even when they do become comfortable with the computer they will never achieve a true understanding. Those that are gifted with this ability or way of thinking seem to have a much better handle on understanding.

Why Computers Difficult Many

In my experience the more you like computers the more you are willing to learn. That is obvious for some, but for others seeing the latest vector or having some cool wallpaper is just not interesting enough for them to be willing to go further.

Why Computers Difficult Many Computer Issues & Video Gaming

While this may actually be a fairly accurate statement I must ask:

From your given scenario a person that likes computers will not have difficulty while a person that may not enjoy computers will simply have a more difficult time. If that is true, then someone that may have been raised in technology, graduated valedictorian with honors, and aspires to be a doctor will have a difficult time with computers simply because they have no interest in them.

Yet at the same time, simply because someone likes using a computer, and aspires to become a programmer, technician or training will have no trouble learning and becoming comfortable just because they enjoy it. Even though they repeated their senior year 4 times because they simply could not seem to pass calculus.

Could all of this even be contributed to how good a memory a person might have. Computers are full of repetition, so if you can simply remember many of the little things it will naturally come much easier.