Why do some people think that shunning technology somehow makes them better...

[ScottOKW2K]

I find that some people are enamored by technology and others are not.

In my house we have more computers than people but none of use Facebook or twitter. I did sign up for facebook one time - I don't remember why - but I couldn't guarantee that I could even remember what my login was . Twitter I understand even less - I'm so busy living and working in my own life that I have absolutely NO interest in what others are eating/saying/doing. If someone is curious about me he/she can call me !

Technology is just a tool. Use what is worthwhile to you to help make your life better. One does not have to use everything that is available simply because it is there.

 

[Skywalker]

I was on Facebook for a while but I have zero use for it. I don't think I even remember my password. I guess I just don't care that much about what my family and friends are up to. Yes, I do think it's a waste of time but of course that does not mean I feel superior or really even care what anyone else does.

You want superior? Superior is my sister in law who still "brags" about the fact she had a natural childbirth with no pain meds...13 years later and she still holds it up like some huge accomplishment. And don't get me started on her "breast feeding" superiority.

Some people are just like that whether it's about technology or health or whatever their particular thing is.

 

[eliza61]

No different than people who use luxury cars or big fancy cars to make themselves seem important. Or people who "name" drop all their important connections.

 

[mhsjax]

I find that some people are enamored by technology and others are not.

In my house we have more computers than people but none of use Facebook or twitter. I did sign up for facebook one time - I don't remember why - but I couldn't guarantee that I could even remember what my login was . Twitter I understand even less - I'm so busy living and working in my own life that I have absolutely NO interest in what others are eating/saying/doing. If someone is curious about me he/she can call me !

Technology is just a tool. Use what is worthwhile to you to help make your life better. One does not have to use everything that is available simply because it is there.

This is how I feel exactly. I don't use Facebook, even though like you I did sign up for it at one pint. Twitter is just dumb. I don't care what people are doing at any given moment and IMHO if people think that I care then they are the ones that feel superior. I use ATMs, on line banking, I post and e-mail. Hubby has an I phone and uses it constantly, All three kids have a laptop and at the ripe old age of 8 my youngest can do power point. They just got i-pod touches for Christmas. BUT there are people that just sit around on the I-phones or computers that refuse to engage in normal life they can't pry themselves away from their gadgets.

Kids these days can't hold a normal conversation unless they are texting, they are loosing the ability to spell correctly. Mostly because of some of these "gadgets". So just because some of us don't use them all of the time and really don't care for them doesn't mean we are stupid.

 

[bicker]

By the same token, just because someone does make great use of the latest technology, doesn't mean that they're stupid either. Kids do hold "normal" conversations... normal for them... and it doesn't make sense to think that just because they choose to TXT each other using TXT memes means that they don't have the "ability" to spell correctly. (Indeed, to a great extent, a lot of people who can spell everything correctly have trouble expressing their feelings and perspectives to others -- what good is spelling then, anyway?)

And in a broader sense, just because folks choose to make great use of the latest technology, doesn't mean that they are not "engaging in normal life". Such arguments presume, erroneously, that the person making the evaluation determines what is "normal" by fiat. Furthermore, it doesn't make sense to think that just because people choose to make great use of the latest technology, that they "can't pry themselves away". They can reasonably choose not to do so, because their "normal" life includes reaping the benefits of the use of the technology.

In a nutshell, negative characterizations about either those who choose to make great use of the latest technology, or those who do not, based solely on that aspect, are suspect.

 

[The Mystery Machine]

... than those who don't?


It's kinda weird. My mom is not a very technological person, but I never get that "I'm better than you" vibe from her.

But some people seem to think that not having a cell phone or using facebook or utilizing online banking makes them in a higher class than those who do because they can "survive" without all that stuff. Odd.

Some people are judgemental. If it was not technology it would be something else.

Plus they lack the insight to understand that not everyone is the same.

I can't help it that I was born with the need for gaming technology. When I look back at my history, my grandpa was a pool hustler in the Depression. It is just in my blood I guess, I can't explain it.

Once the internet was mainstream my dad was online playing bridge with people around the world. A true pioneer because this was 20yrs ago.

 

[luvmy3]

I was on Facebook for a while but I have zero use for it. I don't think I even remember my password. I guess I just don't care that much about what my family and friends are up to. Yes, I do think it's a waste of time but of course that does not mean I feel superior or really even care what anyone else does.

You want superior? Superior is my sister in law who still "brags" about the fact she had a natural childbirth with no pain meds...13 years later and she still holds it up like some huge accomplishment. And don't get me started on her "breast feeding" superiority.
Some people are just like that whether it's about technology or health or whatever their particular thing is.

This is so true, I know many "superior" women.

This is how I feel exactly. I don't use Facebook, even though like you I did sign up for it at one pint. Twitter is just dumb. I don't care what people are doing at any given moment and IMHO if people think that I care then they are the ones that feel superior. I use ATMs, on line banking, I post and e-mail. Hubby has an I phone and uses it constantly, All three kids have a laptop and at the ripe old age of 8 my youngest can do power point. They just got i-pod touches for Christmas. BUT there are people that just sit around on the I-phones or computers that refuse to engage in normal life they can't pry themselves away from their gadgets.

Kids these days can't hold a normal conversation unless they are texting, they are loosing the ability to spell correctly. Mostly because of some of these "gadgets". So just because some of us don't use them all of the time and really don't care for them doesn't mean we are stupid.

Nobody said you were.

 

[mhsjax]

By the same token, just because someone does make great use of the latest technology, doesn't mean that they're stupid either. Kids do hold "normal" conversations... normal for them... and it doesn't make sense to think that just because they choose to TXT each other using TXT memes means that they don't have the "ability" to spell correctly. (Indeed, to a great extent, a lot of people who can spell everything correctly have trouble expressing their feelings and perspectives to others -- what good is spelling then, anyway?)

And in a broader sense, just because folks choose to make great use of the latest technology, doesn't mean that they are not "engaging in normal life". Such arguments presume, erroneously, that the person making the evaluation determines what is "normal" by fiat. Furthermore, it doesn't make sense to think that just because people choose to make great use of the latest technology, that they "can't pry themselves away". They can reasonably choose not to do so, because their "normal" life includes reaping the benefits of the use of the technology.

In a nutshell, negative characterizations about either those who choose to make great use of the latest technology, or those who do not, based solely on that aspect, are suspect.

I do agree with what you say, but I have friends that are teachers and they have all reported that kids are using "text" abbreviations on reports and on homework being turned in. I have a friend that can't get her eyes off of her "game that she is playing on her I phone even though she is having a conversation with you. It is rude, and how is that reaping the benefits in her normal life. Sure it entertains her while she has nothing to do, and that is fine. But to not be able to put it down and carry on a conversation is tacky.

I don't mind technology at all, I think it is great. However, some people are over the top about it, and actually think they are better than you because they have the latest gadget. Again personal experience. And that is all I am going to say on the subject. Think I will go and sync up hubby's I phone calender with the one one our desktop. lol

 

[Frantasmic]

Some people, particularly those in their 60s and 70s, pride themselves in growing up in a simpler era where, they feel, they got by on more personal traits that are somehow lost in technology. I believe it is the perceived dehumanizing factor of technology that these types feel superior to.

These are the types who turned an old coffee can into a neighborhood game, or play battleship on scraps of paper. It is the romance of imagination.

My mother would rather write a flowerly two page hand written note than a minute long email, despite the fact she uses the same words, etc. She likes the paper, the ink on the page, the look and feel of "old time" communication.

 

[mhsjax]

This is so true, I know many "superior" women.



Nobody said you were.

Really, wasn't it your post that said "so we don't suspect them of stupidity" If it wasn't you then I am sorry, but someone said it.

 

[mhsjax]

ok, One more thought. And yes I have a cell phone and do use it quite often. But if people weren't so addicted to technology and gadgets, then why are states having to pass laws that prohibit "texting" and only using hands free phone while driving? Just curious.

This is the type of thing that I am talking about. People so crazy over their gadgets that they can't control themselves. And yes if you are doing these thing while driving then I think you (you in general) have a reverse problem with technology than the ones that claim to hate it.

 

[Darsa]

Superior is my sister in law who still "brags" about the fact she had a natural childbirth with no pain meds

I did this, too; I'm not sure why that makes me better than anyone...

I tend to notice the opposite of the OP; I hear unendingly about what new technology people have on a daily basis, and minute details as to what their new toys do and how much they cost...

 

[luvmy3]

Really, wasn't it your post that said "so we don't suspect them of stupidity" If it wasn't you then I am sorry, but someone said it.

Yes it was my post, but if you had read it correctly you would see that I didn't call anyone stupid. What I said is that there are those who pretend to feel superior because they don't want people to suspect them of being stupid. There is a difference, and if you aren't one of them, it wouldn't
pertain to you anyway. So, nobody called you stupid.

 

[mhsjax]

Yes it was my post, but if you had read it correctly you would see that I didn't call anyone stupid. What I said is that there are those who pretend to feel superior because they don't want people to suspect them of being stupid. There is a difference, and if you aren't one of them, it wouldn't
pertain to you anyway. So, nobody called you stupid.

Really not seeing a whole lot of difference. And really not nice IMHO.

 

[luvmy3]

Really not seeing a whole lot of difference. And really not nice IMHO.

 

[mjkacmom]

Kids these days can't hold a normal conversation unless they are texting, they are loosing the ability to spell correctly. Mostly because of some of these "gadgets"..

I think you meant to spell LOSING! Actually, the only reason I'm pointing out this mispelling is because I blame spellcheck for why my spelling has gotten worse, not texting.

 

[Plannin'Shannon]

ok, One more thought. And yes I have a cell phone and do use it quite often. But if people weren't so addicted to technology and gadgets, then why are states having to pass laws that prohibit "texting" and only using hands free phone while driving? Just curious.

This is the type of thing that I am talking about. People so crazy over their gadgets that they can't control themselves. And yes if you are doing these thing while driving then I think you (you in general) have a reverse problem with technology than the ones that claim to hate it.

In the hands of someone with an addictive personality, anything can be dangerous. Anything can become an addiction, from "gadgets" to food, sex, or shopping.

I agree that this particular addiction can be very annoying. Yesterday I was seated next to someone with iPod earphones who was playing his music so loudly, I swear our entire row could hear it...in the university library. Things like this are ridiculous, obnoxious and more than a little rude. So yes, to an extent, I understand why some people have a chip on their shoulders about technology. However, I use an iPod. I text. But I do so within the confines of politeness and respect for those around me. This is the critical difference between myself and the young man at the library. I believe technology isn't the problem; lack of manners is.

 

[bicker]

I do agree with what you say, but I have friends that are teachers and they have all reported that kids are using "text" abbreviations on reports and on homework being turned in.

And we used to put peace signs on every page, or write sloppily, or double space to fill "two pages", or some other silly thing -- I don't even recall all the crap we did. Kids will be kids. Some will care; some won't.

I have a friend that can't get her eyes off of her "game that she is playing on her I phone even though she is having a conversation with you.

I remember people who "couldn't take their nose out of a book..." There are always ways to avoid connection, and there always will be.

 

[LisaR]

I think this is one of those questions that could also be worded the complete opposite: why do some people think that USING technology somehow makes them better?

I see both sides of this. I read comments on here constantly like, "my teen will never have texting or a cell phone" and they go on to talk about the detriments to society cell phones have caused and how their child will somehow be a better person because they don't have a cell phone.

I also see those that talk about their technology like kids during my generation talked about their jeans. Back then, many felt the need to refer to their Gloria Vanderbilt or their Jordache instead of plain, old jeans. Now we have to hear about "my i phone or Blackberry" being the greatest thing in the world. If you don't have internet access on your phone you must be living in the stone age. If you don't Facebook, it must be because you don't have friends.

So I think both sides of this issue can produce some rather snobby responses. I like to think of technology as a great thing that has made my life more convenient. It is what it is. I don't want it to disappear but like food, it needs to be used in moderation.

 

[mhsjax]

In the hands of someone with an addictive personality, anything can be dangerous. Anything can become an addiction, from "gadgets" to food, sex, or shopping.

I agree that this particular addiction can be very annoying. Yesterday I was seated next to someone with iPod earphones who was playing his music so loudly, I swear our entire row could hear it...in the university library. Things like this are ridiculous, obnoxious and more than a little rude. So yes, to an extent, I understand why some people have a chip on their shoulders about technology. However, I use an iPod. I text. But I do so within the confines of politeness and respect for those around me. This is the critical difference between myself and the young man at the library. I believe technology isn't the problem; lack of manners is.

I agree with what you said. I also have an iPod, can't do the treadmill without it. lol And yes anything can be an addiction. Like this place. I spend way too much time on here. I do agree that lack of manners is a lot of the problem, which would also include people bragging about their latest purchase of some technology and how much they paid for it and why theirs is better. Like someone up thread stated, it is much like bragging about their expensive car or how much they paid for their house.

These are some of the reasons why I feel that people that don't use the latest techo fad may feel superior. A good example of how I think is Coach purses. I love them, purchased my first one 4 years ago. Even though I love them, I won't buy another one. Too many people have them. So many people use them as a status symbol so I refuse to purchase another one. Does it bother me when other people do it, not really. I feel the same with technology. Even though may have it and use it. I won't flaunt it like some people do. End the end I don't hate tech. I just hate how SOME people can't get over their self induced importance because they have the latest thing.

Hope that made some sense.