Just Jill is the creation of Jill Cohen Morris. Jill is an avid rambler and mother of two from Toronto, Canada with a remarkable zest for life and a fabulous sense of humor.
Dear Just Jill,
I have a love/ hate relationship … with the T word … TECHNOLOGY!!
As an adult, I understand the benefits of technology and the digital world. It has opened up a wealth of positive advancements in the world … I do get it!!
At the same time, I find it so overwhelming. For the younger generations, it is their language, and they just expect everyone to communicate and operate within the parameters of that language.
I find if I ask someone for help, they get frustrated and end up just doing it for me. Well, what’s the benefit of that? I have learned nothing and am now equally as frustrated.
I’ve explored a few courses, but they are either way beyond my expertise, or I’m put in a group with people who don’t even know how to turn on a computer.
I’m no slouch … I have an iPhone and a computer, and I text (I have learned to curb my emailing because, apparently, that clearly indicates that you are not with the times). I’m on a bunch of social media platforms. I actually think I’m pretty savvy with technology until I meet someone who really is savvy!!
I guess this is not really a question but more of a rant?
Do any other Sole Sisters out there feel the same?
What’s a gal to do?
Sincerely,
Techie Not Techie Tina
Sole Sister Advice
- Me too. Troubleshooting issues has become very stressful and in the last six months, the software has become far more complex. I need help understanding most of it.
- That's absolutely me too! I know enough about technology to get by, but I need help learning new tech tools! I hate filling out forms online; I detest scanning menus and ordering online on my phone. I want to see the whole extensive menu with beautiful food pictures. My own laptop scares the heck out of me nowadays. It's constantly updating. I have no idea how to turn on the TV, so I only watch TV if it's Netflix on my laptop (which I can still navigate). I have a love/hate relationship with phone apps.
- This really resonates with me. With technology, I know how to accomplish tasks that interest me, but I need help to learn what doesn't. It's important not to become complacent about learning new tech tools because I will be left in the dust if I don't keep up.
- I totally agree. I keep an open mind to doing things in new ways. Still, at times it seems more complex. For example, I now get messages through Messenger, two email accounts, WhatsApp, IM, and Telegram. I must keep reminding myself to keep a growth mindset, but it is sometimes challenging.
- YES, to all of this!! I built a whole community on a new platform (somehow!?!), and now my biggest challenge is encouraging others to even use it ... most are already overwhelmed by technology! We can't let tech crap get in the way of what we want to learn and do! It's called The Wellness Intelligence Collective (TWIC). It's free and bullshit-free, and you're welcome.
- It depends on what you feel you are missing out. Is it not related to grandkids? Trying to organize photos? Knowing that you are on top of all the trends?
- Should be more choices. Some people want to avoid using their phones to fill out forms. Or do anything other than use it for emergency and family contact. For example, that person would be me. The hospital has sent documents to my 88-year-old mom to fill out in a text message to her iPhone for pre-registration for surgery. She can't navigate the info on the phone, so I have to do it for her. How can they expect this from all the elderly? And … now her phone is unavailable to her/me as it's all jumbled up from her trying to figure it out. This type of shortcut It's not helpful.
- Give me a flip phone, and I'd give up tech and move out to the forest. It has been more harmful than good, in my opinion. Bring me back to the '80s, please.
- Ahh, the days of flip phones. Little do you know you are on trend. There is a growing movement among Gen Z to do away with smartphones and revert back to less smartphones like old-school flip and slide phones. Flip phones were popular in the mid-1990s and 2000s but are now making a comeback among younger people.
- I think we must stretch ourselves and learn new technology - especially internet technology, which we are discussing here. Still, I am biased because I work in digital marketing, so I use internet technology daily and love it. Internet-based technology offers us a world of connection, learning, and understanding. Fear and discomfort should not hold us back from engaging. Of course, individuals differ in how much they enjoy being and learning in a digital world. Still, it is a misfortune to miss out because you are afraid of or uncomfortable with the technology. Take a deep breath, dive in, and learn; you won't regret it.
- I remember very clearly when someone explained social media to me in 2007. I knew instantly that I would love it and that it would change the world. Then when I learned I could publish my thoughts on a website without knowing how to code, my head exploded. I changed careers.
- Technology is fascinating and changing at a speed that is difficult for most humans, no matter their age, to understand. I recently listened to a fascinating This American Life podcast episode (797 What Was I Thinking When As We Were Sinking) interviewing a content moderator at Twitter and outlining his experience after Musk took over. It was fascinating and terrifying at the same time. His name was Yoal Roth. He was literally driven out of his home by death threats - he and his family had to go into hiding. Yet he ends his interview with Ira Glass by saying, "I love the Internet. I really do. I think -- the Internet's power to bring people together and help folks worldwide find connections that matter to them is magical and is one of humanity's greatest achievements." I agree with him.
- Perhaps a veritable army of wise, happy middle-aged women can help make the Internet a more comfortable and safer place for everyone.
READ MORE > Just Jill, Rambler Cafe Blog
Leave a comment