Hey, fellow digital immigrants! Sometimes when technology malfunctions, it’s not your fault – it’s just your misunderstandings about technology…and about yourself!
During a recent Zoom call with my Senior Planet colleagues, I encountered a camera issue where they could see me but I couldn’t see myself. My initial reaction was to blame myself for the mistake.*
Despite numerous attempts at fixing the problem, my colleagues were unable to solve it. It dawned on me that as a digital immigrant, I often harbor misconceptions that hinder my digital navigation:
– believing that my devices should function flawlessly all the time, and if they don’t, it’s a disaster.
– assuming that any technical glitches are a result of something I did or didn’t do.
– feeling inadequate if I can’t immediately resolve an issue.
– fearing that attempting to fix a problem will only make it worse or irreversible.
– thinking that troubleshooting will consume hours of my time, leading me to opt for temporary solutions or ignoring the problem entirely.
Realization Moment!
It wasn’t until that Zoom call that I realized how often digital immigrants like us blame ourselves for tech mishaps or difficulties, assuming that younger generations have all the answers. But that’s not always the case! Letting go of self-blame and fear has made tackling technical glitches much easier.
Finally, I had my “It’s Not Me” moment. While I may now approach tech issues with more confidence, I understand that it’s not always my fault. (By the way, my camera glitch was due to the lens cover accidentally getting pushed back).
Your Experience
Have you had an “It’s not me!” moment with technology? How did it impact your attitude and confidence? Share your story in the comments!
Virge Randall is Senior Planet’s Managing Editor. She is also a freelance culture reporter who uncovers hidden gems for Straus Newspapers; her blog “Don’t Get Me Started” offers a unique perspective on Old School New York City. Share your suggestions for Open Threads with her at editor@seniorplanet.org.
