ReadWriteWeb recently wrote an article about AOL & Facebook’s “Facebook Connect” feature titled “Facebook Wants To Be Your One True Login”. What was most remarkable wasn’t the content of the article; it was the fact that over 100 people left comments under the assumption that they had arrived at a new version of Facebook. While this was amusing to a lot of people, it highlights a big obstacle for people who may be “expected” to get involved with social media: Technophobes. People who have never really learned how to use their computers much less navigate the web. Are they left behind? I don’t really think so- the modern computer is user-friendly enough to help pretty much anyone get where they want/need to go.
I think the issue is with the teachers. I’ve taught VERY basic computer stuff before, and it’s easy to take for granted the things a lot of computer users know – like how to reboot, or how to close a program instead of just a window. Once these tasks are learned and the geography of the desktop has been understood, then it’s simple to engage in social media because you aren’t thinking about the technology anymore.
We always say it’s not about the technology with social media, and we truly believe that. I also know that there are people who think it IS about the technology only because computers are a mystery to them. Solving that mystery is the real key to overcoming their fear.
So true Hal. While we say it isn’t about technology, you still have to know basic computer and/or smart phone skills to use it. I spent years teaching technophobes in retail centers & call centers how to use basic computer point of sale systems. Computer savvy people take their knowledge for granted. For a lot of people, it is not so easy.
I always thought that people called it technology to frighten others or to make them sekves sound smart. When I speak I am often introduced as some kind of a high tech person and right away I have to explain that this isn’t about technology. I won’t allow the word technology to be put into the title of any of my sessions either becasue it scares people away. I have often found that once people have a reason to use a computer they learn quickly.
Thought you might enjoy this one- "Logizomechanophobia – the fear of computers"