Confessions of a Technophobe turned Tech Enthusiast

Love it or hate it, technology is here to stay.

I was one of those who HATED ‘it’.

‘It’ didn’t do what I wanted ‘it’ to do, when I wanted ‘it’ to do something and in the way I wanted ‘it’ to do something.

Yes…I am talking about my foray into the unknown world of computers/technology.

I am also one of those who didn’t have the benefit of learning about computers and how to use them until I was well into my forties. Attending job interviews became a little scary as I was fearful of being asked the question, “How proficient are you on the computer?”

It was becoming obvious I had to know something about the machines rapidly taking over from the mighty pen and paper. And so it was, with great reluctance, I enrolled at a polytechnic to do a basic computer course. I either had to ‘get with it’ or miss out on the jobs and opportunities I needed to take advantage of.

I found my fear of technology subsided as my knowledge grew. I was well on my way to becoming a ‘lover’ of technology.

The point of this little story you ask?

In the twenty-something years I have been learning about computers, my interest in technology has grown and grown. I use technology in everyday things like reading recipes on my tablet which sits next to my stove while I am cooking, or taking photos of the quail feeding on the block wall outside my kitchen with the same tablet. When I feel like watching a movie I can click on the Netflix app on my smart TV. I use my smart-phone as a clock, alarm, for photography, emailing, texting and listening to music. I use the GPS to find an address, no maps needed.

It gave me great satisfaction, while interacting recently with a young woman in a store which sells technology, to see the surprised look on her face when I was able to explain my problem in a ‘techy’ kind of way.

‘Googling’ has opened up a whole new way of learning and interacting with the outside world.

As you have guessed by now this older person has gone from hating ‘it’ to loving ‘it’.

I have learned from all of this learning that age is definitely no barrier to learning.

Technology? Loving it!

Cherry Bewley, Age Hacker