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Navigating Technology: A Mother’s Struggle
Years ago, I received my first iPod as a birthday gift, thanks to my daughter, Emma, who had recently acquired one herself. She kindly offered to help me set it up, and I gratefully accepted her assistance. However, this simple act became a metaphor for my ongoing battle with technology.
You may be familiar with the saying, “Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day; teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime.” Emma handed me that initial fish, yet here I am, still struggling to keep afloat in the tech world. On the surface, I appear to be well-versed in modern technology—I use an iMac for work, an iPhone for communication, and an iPad for reading. However, I often find myself inept in troubleshooting any issues that arise, relying heavily on my children for assistance.
Each week, my computer slows down, prompting me to call one of my kids for help. “Mom!” Emma chides, “How many tabs did you open? You need to close some!” I believe I did, but apparently, I was mistaken. Occasionally, my toolbar disappears, leaving me bewildered until my son, Jake, strolls into the kitchen for a snack. With a few quick taps, he restores functionality, and I’m left in awe.
Texting is another area of struggle. My children chuckle at my method of typing with my index finger, insisting that I should use both thumbs instead. But how? It seems impossible to press just one letter when I attempt to do so. Additionally, apps seem to vanish from my screen as I inadvertently swipe them away, only for my kids to promptly guide me in retrieving them.
I once shared my technological incompetence with the tech instructor at my children’s school. She explained that today’s youth inherently understand technology, as they’ve grown up immersed in it, while individuals from my generation, who didn’t have the same exposure, often find it challenging to adapt.
Ironically, I was proficient with electronics in my teens. In the 1970s, my family acquired a VCR, which allowed us to record shows for later viewing. I found it easy to navigate, but my parents struggled immensely. They would often call me, even on a rotary phone, seeking guidance on how to set it up. I would return home to find their VCR blinking “12:00,” and I couldn’t comprehend their confusion. Now, I empathize with their plight.
A few years ago, my editor requested that I hyperlink an article I was writing. Completely baffled, I turned to Emma for help. Once again, she offered her assistance, but this time, I chose to learn rather than rely on her expertise. I realized it was time to take charge of my own technological education, especially since my personal tech consultant would soon depart for college.
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In conclusion, my journey through the world of technology has been filled with challenges and humorous moments. As I strive to become more adept, I am reminded of the importance of patience and the willingness to learn—qualities that I hope to pass on to my children.