Years ago, I received my first iPod as a birthday present. My 12-year-old son had gotten one a few months prior and kindly offered to set it up for me. I gratefully accepted his help.
There’s a saying that goes, “Give a person a fish and you feed them for a day. Teach them to fish and you feed them for a lifetime.” My son provided me that initial fish, yet here I am today, still floundering in the technological seas.
From an outsider’s perspective, I appear to be fully immersed in the 21st century. I utilize an iMac for work, communicate via an iPhone, and read on an iPad. However, the reality is that I often feel lost in this digital landscape. Whenever my devices malfunction, I rely on my children for assistance.
Weekly, my computer slows down, prompting me to summon one of my kids. “Mom!” my son exclaims, “How many tabs do you have open? You need to close some of them!” I swear I did, but apparently, I missed a few. Occasionally, my toolbar will vanish from the screen, leaving me perplexed until my daughter wanders into the kitchen and I subtly ask her to assist. A few quick taps from her and the issue is resolved.
Even when I text, my children chuckle at my method of typing. “You’re supposed to use both thumbs,” they instruct in unison. But how? My thumbs don’t seem to cooperate; I can’t seem to hit just one letter when I attempt it.
And then there are the mysteriously vanishing apps. I inadvertently swipe something on my phone, and suddenly my Safari icon disappears into the void, only to be promptly retrieved by one of my children.
I once shared my struggles with technology with the tech instructor at my kids’ elementary school. She explained that today’s youth have grown up immersed in technology, making it instinctual for them. In contrast, those of us from an earlier generation didn’t have the same exposure, resulting in a steeper learning curve.
Ironically, I was quite adept with electronics during my teenage years. Back in the ’70s, my family acquired our first VCR. The ability to record shows and watch them at our convenience was revolutionary, and I found it easy to operate. My parents, however, were another story. Every time they needed to record something, they’d call on me to “set the VCR.” Even during college, my parents would ring me (on a rotary phone!) seeking guidance, still struggling with the device. Each return home, I would find their VCR blinking “12:00,” and I’d shake my head in disbelief at their confusion. Now, I fully understand.
A few years ago, my editor requested that I hyperlink something for an article. Completely baffled, I turned to my daughter for help. Predictably, she knew exactly what to do. This time, rather than letting her do it for me, I asked her to teach me. It was crucial that I gain this skill, especially since my go-to tech consultant will be heading off to college soon.
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In summary, while I may appear tech-savvy on the surface, I often find myself at the mercy of my children’s expertise. The journey from reliance to independence in technology is one I am committed to undertaking, particularly as my children grow and I must adapt.