Why Some Continue to Favor Old Technology Over New or None at All

I can’t fathom living without technology. Modern society is utterly dependent on it. The era when technology wasn’t necessary has passed, and it won’t return. With technology comes the risk of harmful habits and addiction, but overall, it has transformed communication and education for the better. Just as cars have introduced new risks but also improved mobility, technology has introduced its own challenges yet offers substantial benefits. You either embrace the changes or risk being left behind.

The Benefits and Drawbacks of Old Technology

Despite the advancements in modern technology, some still prefer the simplicity and reliability of older systems. For instance, playing a DVD on an old player is a straightforward process: just press the power button, then hit play. In contrast, more recent models have PC components that take longer to boot up. Old devices often operate electronically, requiring no boot-up time and functioning as soon as they are plugged in and powered on. This efficiency and ease of use make them more attractive to those who value simplicity.

Camera technology offers another excellent example. With older cameras, you simply point, focus, and snap a picture. In newer models, you must enter a password, navigate an interface, and wait for operations to complete, all of which can be distracting and time-consuming. Similarly, controlling a car is much easier with physical buttons or a knob, rather than navigating through a screen and touchscreen controls which can be distracting while driving.

Ancient Jokes and Modern Analogies

One must not forget the humorous yet telling advice from the 1990s when asking Bill Gates why Windows didn’t run a car: the delay in user input for basic functions like deploying an airbag could be catastrophic. This joke captures the essence of the challenge in integrating human reaction time with machine response delays, a problem that even today confounds technological advancements in safety and convenience.

A Personal Journey with Technology

I was born in 1962, and my husband in 1964. Both of us are computer literate, though there were no computers in our schools. I began interacting with bank computer systems as early as 1980, and New Zealand was ahead in this regard. Home computers became a significant part of life from 1993, and within five years, they became mainstream. By 1998, even office jobs required basic computer skills.

However, not everyone has embraced technology. Bank managers in the 1980s were hesitant to use computers and often delegated tasks to subordinates. Similarly, those who were not part of the workforce or did not require computers often clung to old systems. For users, sometimes the familiar and functional old technology feels more intuitive, even if it means skipping steps or bypassing new developments. For instance, I jumped directly from CD players to streaming music services like Spotify, while missing out on mp3 players and early smartphones.

Interest in technology varies among individuals. I enjoy researching online, using social media, and accessing digital books, even for out-of-print materials. Currently, I am learning to create my own website, but art and social media seem increasingly important for engagement. While I am not resistant to technology, switching to new systems can be cumbersome when I have other priorities.

Challenges for the Elderly and the Tech-Naive

Some, like my mother, face significant challenges with technology. Despite my best efforts, she struggles with devices like a Kindle due to cognitive decline. It's a pity she can't enjoy the wealth of digital literature available to her. Although I love new technology, I do understand and empathize with those who find it overwhelming or uncomfortable.

While technology is essential in today's world, not everyone is cut out for it. It's a shame they might miss out, but there is value in other aspects of life beyond being online and possessing the latest gadgets. A balanced approach can accommodate both supporters and detractors of technology, acknowledging the benefits and challenges of each.