Computer Owners Are Too Scared To Log On

from the gotta-get-over-the-fear dept

A new study in Australia has found that many people are afraid of their own computers. Nearly 60% get stressed out when asked to do something on a computer that they're unfamiliar with. Then, there's the 15% who are so scared of their own computers that they avoid them altogether (making you wonder why they bought them in the first place). The numbers seem a little far fetched to me, and this is the type of thing that goes away as people get used to their computers, and learn not to fear them.
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  1. identicon
    Anonymous Coward, 15 Aug 2003 @ 1:27am

    Women were afraid of cars for decades

    In many countries in the world today (Russia, Muslim countries, some Asian countries), driving is still considered a "manly" activity, therefore women driving is considered strange. I have heard from a Southern woman that in parts of the rural South, people still think that men should do the driving. A recurring theme in the 20th century was getting women to not be afraid of machines, e.g. typewriters, vacuum cleaners, food processors, etc.

    PCs these days are coming in more effeminate varieties like the Mac. Actually, I wouldn't mind having a gaming machine built out of crudely welded steel with oversized bolts, that sputters lots of smoke. ;-)



    link to this | view in thread ]

  2. identicon
    Anonymous Coward, 15 Aug 2003 @ 8:46am

    No Subject Given

    Sounds like a scam to stop outsourcing to Australia to me - they're all afraid of computers, so we'll stick to using India

    link to this | view in thread ]

  3. identicon
    Olivia Netwon John, 15 Aug 2003 @ 9:09am

    Re: No Subject Given

    Australia has a similar economy to the US ... Outsourcing to India is done because they will work for slave labor.
    Aussies will not ...

    link to this | view in thread ]

  4. identicon
    kenvie, 15 Nov 2003 @ 11:02am

    fear of pc

    This is my first PC and ap about the wide world
    thats on it.. But I am having a go, I make mistakes but learn as I use it, Haaaaaa thats how I feel sometime when things do not go quite right. But I do not give up on It. So there must be others like me at this. [BLOODY thing]
    But I like it it gets me out and about when its raining . love it realy by the way I AM sixty nine.

    link to this | view in thread ]

  5. identicon
    Sean Philipps, 25 Feb 2005 @ 9:29am

    Products that will help these particular people

    In relation to the article I recently read http://www.techdirt.com/articles/20030814/2322203.shtml regarding the study in Australia, cdromarchives offers the solution for these people that are just too afraid to operate their computers. Three products can help: "Computers made Easy" ; "Windows made Easy" and " Internet made Easy"! Is there something we can do to get this message out to these people? Can you do a great write up on this, should I send you an article? Please advise.

    Kind Regards
    Sean

    link to this | view in thread ]

  6. identicon
    Ken, 24 Sep 2005 @ 6:22am

    Afraid of computers

    I am not afraid of the bloody thing it is justthat dose not do what i think it should do but then I am just a beginer I am seventy And thoght I must get with this tec but so far its twisted me brain but I am not giveing up and people like you will not force me to, I wish you all the best But let me get on with it, And one day I will be as clever as you, And by this I mean no disrespect.
    KEN.

    link to this | view in thread ]

  7. identicon
    shalvin, 11 Jan 2008 @ 4:29am

    afraid of computers

    ya i get worried or in tension state when somthing goes wrong in my computer, even if there is a small tick noise, i get so worried, i tried so hard....its like my computer always giving me problem but wen professionals use it, they say its all normal, dont know y but i am always worried about my computer :(

    link to this | view in thread ]


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