Fear Of Technology: Technophobia

Technophobia is fear or dislike of advanced technology. It is the fear of the unknown or what it might do to you or others. It is a result of not understanding or being able to cope with the sophisticated nature of some technologies. There are always steps to be made to overcome technophobia. It may be easier to overcome fear of technology if you figure out why are you afraid.

Table Of Content:

• Fear of Technology: The Fear of Technophobia

• Identifying Technophobia

• Reasons Behind Technophobia

• Technophobia: Not Going To Be A Populist Science

• Technophobia: Overcoming Your Fear

• Summary

Fear Of Technology: The Fear Of Technophobia

The fear of technology can be very frightening and difficult to overcome, but there are many ways to deal with this phobia. Learning more about technology in general and trying to keep up with the rapid development, can be challenging and it may affect you. There are many technological advances in the world today, that could change your life tomorrow, but some people fear such innovations, that will change them or their way of life. It may be enough to make you afraid of such things.

This could be a result of not being exposed to certain types of people or the way they live. In some cases, it could be a subtle form of discrimination. Whatever the reason may be, you should take steps to overcome this fear if you have it. The main cause of this phobia is the unknown. It could be the unknown of the possible harmful effects the technology could have or the unknown of an individual's nature. Keeping yourself updated on possible dangerous or harmful advancements can help you overcome this fear.

As for other people, you should try to keep away from being around people, who are technophobic. You should try to associate with people, who have a more positive view of the future. Having friends and work mates, who are technologically advanced can also be good as you'll have someone to talk to when your not online.

There are also technological ways to overcome this fear. Some devices can be used to keep you calm such as a smart phone to listening to music. Reading can also be a good way to keep your mind occupied. Reading about future technology can provide you with some of the answers, that you're looking for. Other gadgets and devices can also help you including a virtual reality machine, which can be used to immerge you in different worlds. Also, you could try taking a class about the technology you're afraid of, which could help you understand how it works.

Identifying Technophobia

Technophobia is a very real fear. In fact, there are many different types of it.

One of the most common types is the fear of the future. You see the rapid changes, that are taking place and are worried about where it will lead. You don't like the direction, that society is heading and you believe, that it is just a step to anarchy.

Another type is the fear of technology. You don't want to engage in technology, because you feel, that it is taking your life away. For some this could be a valid fear. However, there is another type of technophobia, that many people fail to recognize. The type that is driven by nothing more than stupid superstition.

It's not just fear of the unknown either. It's the fear of the known, that society has decided is bad. For example, it isn't just the fear of computers, that is technophobia. It's the fear of the computer's software. It's the fear of the internet in general. It's the fear of smart phones.

Why is this?

Well, for one thing the technology is new and different. Second, it's the brain and mind, that is being attacked. Finally, it's the money, that is being spent on this technology that is causing this. The fact is, in the United States many people believe, that there are certain types of technology, that should not be used. It doesn't matter, if a device can be beneficial or not. It doesn't matter, if an inventor has done an excellent job on the design or not. It doesn't matter, if a product is proven to be safe or not.

The superstitious (and in some cases not so superstitious) in American society believe, that it is all bad. Even well meaning inventions by good people can be banned. Why? Because some people do not like them.

Reasons Behind Technophobia

People are afraid of technology for all kinds of different reasons. Each person has their own fears and concerns, that cause them to avoid new or advanced forms of technology. Some of these are logical and reasonable while others are not.

Some of the more common reasons for being scared of technology:

• Losing control:

These people are afraid that the government, big business or other large organizations will gain too much power as a result of technological advances. They are also slightly concerned, that a big company like Apple or Google is going to take all of the smaller companies out of business with their unfair business practices.

• Loss of privacy:

This can be a very valid concern. With all of the pictures, videos and other bits of information, that are easily accessible online, these days people are very worried about what others will do with knowledge gained. People are also concerned about big brother tracking their every move.

• Paranoia:

This is another common fear. A lot of people are paranoid about the government and other large organizations having too much power. They do not trust anyone in a leadership position and believe, that the world is run by a handful of elite.

• Lack of control:

It isn't just large organizations, that people are worried about being in control of everything. Even people are a little worried about their own power being taken away from them. For some this is very real and a very serious concern, while for others it is just another excuse to not use or engage in new technology.

• Social pressure:

There is a lot of social pressure to use new technology. This is especially true for the younger generations. If you don't use new technology you may feel like you are a few steps behind and not keep up. You may also feel like you are in the way of things and getting in the way of the newest and greatest. If you are in a position of leadership, you may even start to feel like you are letting people down, if you don't lead by example and use the newest advances in technology.

• Lack of skills:

Some people are worried that they aren't skilled in using new technology. They are also worried, that if they don't use it, they are going to lose their job or not be as valuable.

• Lack of money:

A lot of people are only able to afford certain things. If they don't have the money to buy a new technology product, they may not buy it.

• Lack of time:

This is the main reason that drives people to be wary of engaging in new technology. They simply don't have the time to learn how to use it, let alone master it.

• Addiction:

This may not be a fear so much as it is an addiction. The technology sector has a lot of addicting qualities, such as having constant stimulus, being able to turn off your brain and being able to waste large amounts of time. This is a big problem in countries like China, where people are so busy working non-stop, that they don't have time for their families and even neglect their future by not having enough children to sustain the population. There is also the problem of people losing their minds in the technology sector. There are some companies, that engage in very questionable practices, such as developing drugs and other ways to alter your mind. This is a common fear with the medical sector.

I am sure many people can think of several other reasons, but these are just some of the top ones, that come to mind.

Technophobia: Not Going To Be A Populist Science

As more and more technology is becoming a part of our everyday lives, not being a "populist" could be detrimental to your future. It's important to keep up with the industry and the newest advancements. If you don't, your potential job prospects may suffer. Even if you do, you could be left behind. Looking down on technology is a little like being afraid of the future. You only have one life to live and you shouldn't waste it being fearful.

In the future, technology will continue to impact every aspect of our lives. The question is, what role will you have in that future? The problem or the solution? Stay up to date and make a choice today.

• Do you think your life could benefit from technology? Think again.

• Do you think you could stand to learn something new? There are always opportunities.

• Do you think your life would be better if you embraced technology? You could be right.

• Do you think you'll look back on your life and not care? There are some people, who think that.

Whatever your choice is, your future lies in the hands of technology.

Technophobia: Overcoming Your Fear

Choose one of the several ways to overcome your fear.

• Keep yourself updated on future technology, it may be one of the keys to the future.

• Stay away from people, who have a fear of technology as they might make your life difficult.

• Go to places where technology is used or experimented with.

• Trying to keep up with it yourself can also be a challenge, but it could make you more employable in the future. Alternatively, you could take an online class on the subject. You could find one, that is basic and easy or one, that will prepare you for a field of study in the future.

Summary

Technophobia, as you have probably already concluded is a racket. Like religion it is a way of making money for some and a crutch for others. You should not be afraid of the future. You should not be afraid of technology. You should not be afraid of the unknown. You, as an individual, should not support technophobia. It only encourages the lazy and a society, that is afraid to move forward. This is one racket you should not participate in. Make money without fear of the future. Live for today, because tomorrow may be worse, than the crash. Also, don't believe the superstition. Don't be a hypocrite and ban something, that you yourself use.