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

[bicker]

This is the problem I have. Technology for a lot of people has become a status symbol.

Again, there has always been contexts for "status symbols". In many ways, a $300 digital device is a better place to indulge such behavior than $30,000 automobiles.

It wasn't so long ago that there was a big discussion over a person texting during dinner out, and most everyone here was moritifed that some people thought it was ok. This is the type of behavior that I see associated with technology.

I have been a member of a very very popular cruise line-oriented discussion forum for about nine years. Early in that time, I remember how anyone expressing any kind support for things like "free-style dining" were vigorously, and often inexcusably, condemned. The vitriolic rhetoric that abounded when one cruise line introduced "As You Wish" dining resulted in cyber-stalking against at least one supporter. Now, the situation is almost the exact opposite. The vitriol is gone, and there is substantial support for such moves away from the old, staid, traditional dining arrangements of the past.

While I'm not personally looking forward to a time when TXTing during a family dinner is acceptable, I surely don't see TXTing during dinner as any worse than taking a telephone call during dinner, or talking with a friend who came to the door during dinner... it's actually less invasive than those older mechanisms of interruption.


One somewhat unrelated point, that came to mind: Communicating on a forum, like the DIS, was itself considered new technology at some point, and unfairly denigrated by those who didn't personally value it.

 

[Scurvy]

This all started because someone asked a simple question. I expressed my opinion based on what I see around me. Twitter maybe useful for some, but I overhere so many people that talk about what celeb they are following in twitter, or the first thing they ask you if you use twitter is "who are you following" Most of the time I here people talking about what celebs they are following and how these celebs have their accts blocked. and wow guess what they let me in. I see people sit there and debate about weather the i Phone is better or their Blackberry. Who has the newest who has the most expensive. This is the problem I have. Technology for a lot of people has become a status symbol. and Then there is me, I don't care what kind of phone you have, or if you have a Mac or PC Twitter, Facebook, Mysapce or whatever. My kids all have many of these things. I just don't understand why it is so important for people to brag about it and to be attached at the hip.

It wasn't so long ago that there was a big discussion over a person texting during dinner out, and most everyone here was moritifed that some people thought it was ok. This is the type of behavior that I see associated with technology. If you use it to better your life great. So do I. I am just not on it all the time, acting like I am better and more important than everyone else by being on my newest and latest i Phone. I am not saying that anyone here is that way, is is simply a response to the original question. Some people think they are way superior because they use Techno and some the other way around. I just happen to feel that a lot people are too impressed by their electronics

While it is certainly possible that you tend to encounter a large number of braggarts who equate their worth with their technology, it's also possible that you are unfairly interpreting their comments in the worst possible light. I have seen posts on the Dis by people asking whether an iPhone or Blackberry is better, and I don't assume that they are bragging. I assume that they are truly curious about which device is better - that they wonder which one has better features and they are looking for feedback from those who own either device.

I love technology, I love tech devices and electronics in general. I'm sure I could easily come across as far too enthusiastic about them if I let myself. I enjoy how much easier they have made my life, I enjoy all the new things I can do with all my gadgets. I know lots of other people who feel the same way, and we often talk about the gadgets or debate the merits of one versus another. I enjoy Facebook and Twitter, and enjoy the way they have made it easier to keep up with all sorts of information. My friends and I talk about things we've seen on those sites, or about who (or what, in the case of businesses and organizations) we are "following". Apparently to you that can come across as bragging, but I assure you that isn't the case. Why would anyone feel superior to someone else just because they have a particular gadget or because they use a particular social networking site? Anyone can get any of the gadgets if they choose to budget for them, and they can also join any of the networking sites.

Most people I know who view a physical item as a status symbol want to be the only one who owns whatever it is, or at least they want to have more of it than anyone else - they want to feel like they have something special that others don't have and can not get. After all, that's what makes it a status symbol, isn't it? Most people who are really into technology encourage those around them to get whatever device they are particularly enamored with, which is why you get the iPhone fanatics preaching the benefits of having an iPhone, or the XBox fans carrying on about why the XBox is better than the PS3. They don't want their technology to be exclusive; they want everyone else to embrace it just as they have. I'm sure there are lots of reasons for people to feel that way, but the most common that I'm aware of is simply because they love whatever it is, and they think that everyone else will too. It's really no different than if you were to try a new restaurant which you discovered you loved, so you mentioned it to people often to encourage them to go there. I can't imagine anyone would think that you were bragging because you had been able to go to the restaurant - they'd probably just assume that you were so happy about having found it that you wanted to share it with everyone else. People who rave about different gadgets or networking sites are trying to share their love of those things with other people. It doesn't make them better or worse than anyone else.

There have always been - and always will be - people who view items as status symbols, whether it's designer bags, jewelry, electronics and tech gadgets, a big house in an exclusive neighborhood, frequent Disney vacations or any one of a thousand other things. But it sounds to me like you think if someone shows any enthusiam about technology or social networking it automatically means that they are judging their worth by that technology, and that's ridiculous.

 

[bicker]

While it is certainly possible that you tend to encounter a large number of braggarts who equate their worth with their technology, it's also possible that you are unfairly interpreting their comments in the worst possible light.

Good point. Something that struck me while reading this portion of your reply, though, is that we see the same sort of "braggart-ing", sometimes, when folks talk about how many WDW resorts they've visited, or wield their staying at a deluxe resort, or eating at signature restaurants, or V&A's, or visiting BBB, etc., as a "status symbol", etc. Each bit of conduct mentioned with regard to technology can be readily applied to something we see quite often, as it pertains to WDW vacations. Indeed, many view vacationing at WDW, itself, as a "status symbol, and we also see the opposite scenario, where we WDW vacationers are put in the position of defending our personal preference in that regard.

Darnit... I thought I thought it up first, but I see you already noted it...

There have always been - and always will be - people who view items as status symbols, whether it's designer bags, jewelry, electronics and tech gadgets, a big house in an exclusive neighborhood, frequent Disney vacations or any one of a thousand other things. But it sounds to me like you think if someone shows any enthusiam about technology or social networking it automatically means that they are judging their worth by that technology, and that's ridiculous.

 

[Randi]

I can't say that I have ever met anyone who acted that way.

I don't use a lot of the newer technology not because I don't understand it but because I don't have a need to.

Social networking isn't my style, whether in person or via internet.

Cell phones are a tool, I have one but rarely use it. Mostly because there aren't that many people that I need to be in contact with frequently.

ATM usage was at one time a big help for my life when I had children & banks were more often closed than open. Since that is no longer valid, I don't use an ATM.

Online banking doesn't appeal to me. For one, I don't have that many bills to pay per month, & it does seem that it would be a hassle if something went wrong. I also have an aging computer with dial up service so don't want to put much info on it. Perhaps when I upgrade, I will look at online banking differently.

So to each his own. I feel that I have made my decisions based on my own needs at my age (66) & it would not be applicable for everyone. But I don't feel superior to those who do choose to use technology.

 

[bicker]

Online banking doesn't appeal to me. For one, I don't have that many bills to pay per month, & it does seem that it would be a hassle if something went wrong.

Just a note about this: My experience is the opposite. With direct online payments, I've found my bank tends to take much more direct and personal responsibility for straightening things out, as compared to when I send a check.

 

[mhsjax]

While it is certainly possible that you tend to encounter a large number of braggarts who equate their worth with their technology, it's also possible that you are unfairly interpreting their comments in the worst possible light. I have seen posts on the Dis by people asking whether an iPhone or Blackberry is better, and I don't assume that they are bragging. I assume that they are truly curious about which device is better - that they wonder which one has better features and they are looking for feedback from those who own either device.

I love technology, I love tech devices and electronics in general. I'm sure I could easily come across as far too enthusiastic about them if I let myself. I enjoy how much easier they have made my life, I enjoy all the new things I can do with all my gadgets. I know lots of other people who feel the same way, and we often talk about the gadgets or debate the merits of one versus another. I enjoy Facebook and Twitter, and enjoy the way they have made it easier to keep up with all sorts of information. My friends and I talk about things we've seen on those sites, or about who (or what, in the case of businesses and organizations) we are "following". Apparently to you that can come across as bragging, but I assure you that isn't the case. Why would anyone feel superior to someone else just because they have a particular gadget or because they use a particular social networking site? Anyone can get any of the gadgets if they choose to budget for them, and they can also join any of the networking sites.

Most people I know who view a physical item as a status symbol want to be the only one who owns whatever it is, or at least they want to have more of it than anyone else - they want to feel like they have something special that others don't have and can not get. After all, that's what makes it a status symbol, isn't it? Most people who are really into technology encourage those around them to get whatever device they are particularly enamored with, which is why you get the iPhone fanatics preaching the benefits of having an iPhone, or the XBox fans carrying on about why the XBox is better than the PS3. They don't want their technology to be exclusive; they want everyone else to embrace it just as they have. I'm sure there are lots of reasons for people to feel that way, but the most common that I'm aware of is simply because they love whatever it is, and they think that everyone else will too. It's really no different than if you were to try a new restaurant which you discovered you loved, so you mentioned it to people often to encourage them to go there. I can't imagine anyone would think that you were bragging because you had been able to go to the restaurant - they'd probably just assume that you were so happy about having found it that you wanted to share it with everyone else. People who rave about different gadgets or networking sites are trying to share their love of those things with other people. It doesn't make them better or worse than anyone else.

There have always been - and always will be - people who view items as status symbols, whether it's designer bags, jewelry, electronics and tech gadgets, a big house in an exclusive neighborhood, frequent Disney vacations or any one of a thousand other things. But it sounds to me like you think if someone shows any enthusiam about technology or social networking it automatically means that they are judging their worth by that technology, and that's ridiculous.

I am talking about people that I personally know. Not people asking for advice about a phone or device. I DO understand what bragging is. I personally know the people I am talking about, and that is what I am making my judgement on. Seems ok to think/judge that people who aren't into technology think that they are better than those who are, but yet when I offer a different opinion I am being judgemental. My father was an extremely smart man but never wanted to use all of this new technology, his choice but he didn't think he was better and he certainly wasn't any less intelligent than any of the people that use all that is available to them. I have another relative that loves every device know to man, if it is new he has it. And will bore you to tears talking about it, it is his true love but he certainly isn't bragging. There is a difference and I certainly know what it is. Again, my opinion based on my experiences. Again, we have 5 computers for a 5 member family, 1 i-phone 2 -Pods and 3 i_pod touches and 1 top of the line GPS. (not Bragging) Hubby has to have the latest and best also. We aren't exactly technophobes around here. I was just expressing my opinion about the original question.

 

[Scurvy]

I am talking about people that I personally know. Not people asking for advice about a phone or device. I DO understand what bragging is. I personally know the people I am talking about, and that is what I am making my judgement on. Seems ok to think/judge that people who aren't into technology think that they are better than those who are, but yet when I offer a different opinion I am being judgemental. wow. I will stop there.

It's unfortunate that the people you know are like that. The vast majority that I have encountered are not.

As for the bolded. . . are you referring to any statements on this thread when you say that? I've missed those comments if they are on this thread. Several posters did mention that they've known some people who seem to feel superior because they aren't into technology (and since that question was the point of the thread it shouldn't come as a surprise), but no one on this thread has tried to say that all people who dislike technology act superior. Some people do try to act like the fact that they don't use technology makes them superior, just as some people try to act as though the fact that they own a snazzy phone makes them superior. No one else has tried to suggest that either example is the norm, though. To me, your posts have come across as though you think anyone who is enthusiastic about gadgets or social networking is bragging, and that people only embrace those things as status symbols. I apologize if that isn't how you intended your posts and if you are instead talking about a small portion of those who embrace those things.

I think it's ridiculous to judge people because they don't like technology, and I think it's equally absurd to judge people because they do like it. Use technology or don't use it, join social networking sites or don't join them. It makes no difference to me. However, painting all people who like technology or social networking sites with the same brush simply because you know a few superficial people is ridiculous. So is condemning the things you don't like as "dumb" just because you don't understand or enjoy them.

You seem to be taking this very personally and I really don't understand why that is. Unless you think you are superior to those who enjoy technology and social networking because you are "above" those things, then the comments about those people do not apply to you. The question was "Why do some people think that shunning technology somehow makes them better. . ." not why do all people think that.

ETA - I responed before you edited your post, but I don't have time to change my response right now so I apologize if it no longer properly addresses your post.

 

[mhsjax]

It's unfortunate that the people you know are like that. The vast majority that I have encountered are not.

As for the bolded. . . are you referring to any statements on this thread when you say that? I've missed those comments if they are on this thread. Several posters did mention that they've known some people who seem to feel superior because they aren't into technology (and since that question was the point of the thread it shouldn't come as a surprise), but no one on this thread has tried to say that all people who dislike technology act superior. Some people do try to act like the fact that they don't use technology makes them superior, just as some people try to act as though the fact that they own a snazzy phone makes them superior. No one else has tried to suggest that either example is the norm, though. To me, your posts have come across as though you think anyone who is enthusiastic about gadgets or social networking is bragging, and that people only embrace those things as status symbols. I apologize if that isn't how you intended your posts and if you are instead talking about a small portion of those who embrace those things.

I think it's ridiculous to judge people because they don't like technology, and I think it's equally absurd to judge people because they do like it. Use technology or don't use it, join social networking sites or don't join them. It makes no difference to me. However, painting all people who like technology or social networking sites with the same brush simply because you know a few superficial people is ridiculous. So is condemning the things you don't like as "dumb" just because you don't understand or enjoy them.

You seem to be taking this very personally and I really don't understand why that is. Unless you think you are superior to those who enjoy technology and social networking because you are "above" those things, then the comments about those people do not apply to you. The question was "Why do some people think that shunning technology somehow makes them better. . ." not why do all people think that.

ETA - I responed before you edited your post, but I don't have time to change my response right now so I apologize if it no longer properly addresses your post.

I DO NOT think I am superior to those who enjoy technology, again hubby drives me nuts with it but I don't think I am superior to him. I get a little annoyed that someone "suspects someone of stupidity" because they may not choose to use technology or maybe are just a little afraid of it. That bothers me, always has. I hate the word stupid or any form of it when referring to a human being. I think that was uncalled for. True I think Facebook is silly for me, and all my friends know how I feel yet they don't have a problem with my opinion. They use Facebook and I personally don't care, doesn't bother me a bit. So how about we leave it at this, I don't care about how many gadgets you or anyone else has, I don't care what anyone does with his or her free time. (hubby thinks it is crazy for me to post on here) I also don't think all people that are technically challenged are stupid or superior just as I don't think that all people who are techno freaks(like hubby and nephew) are above everyone and snobbish in their acquisitions of such gadgets.

 

[Scurvy]

I DO NOT think I am superior to those who enjoy technology, again hubby drives me nuts with it but I don't think I am superior to him. I get a little annoyed that someone "suspects someone of stupidity" because they may not choose to use technology or maybe are just a little afraid of it. That bothers me, always has. I hate the word stupid or any form of it when referring to a human being. I think that was uncalled for. True I think Facebook is silly for me, and all my friends know how I feel yet they don't have a problem with my opinion. They use Facebook and I personally don't care, doesn't bother me a bit. So how about we leave it at this, I don't care about how many gadgets you or anyone else has, I don't care what anyone does with his or her free time. (hubby thinks it is crazy for me to post on here) I also don't think all people that are technically challenged are stupid or superior just as I don't think that all people who are techno freaks(like hubby and nephew) are above everyone and snobbish in their acquisitions of such gadgets.

Well then it sounds like we have no reason to be arguing! I agree with most of your post. I also agree, it would be terrible to call someone stupid just because they don't choose to use technology or are afraid of it. Fortunately no one on the thread has said that, and though I'm sure there is someone somewhere who does feel that way I have never encountered anyone who held that view.

Of course Luvmy3 did say she suspected some people of trying to avoid being considered stupid, but it wasn't those who don't like technology. It was those who pretend to feel superior to those who do like technology.

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.

Not liking or enjoying technology is perfectly reasonable and rational, even if I personally don't understand the reasoning behind it! Acting as though you are better than someone else because of your dislike of (or like of) technology is neither reasonable nor rational. I assume that those who feign superiority over those who enjoy technology must have some reason for their absurd stance. It makes perfect sense to me that they are using all that blustering to cover their own inablilty to use or comprehend the technology. So in that case, you could easily say that those who pretend to be superior because they don't use technology are just covering for their own lack of ability or even stupidity.

Alternatively, they could simply be afraid that people will assume that they don't use the technology because they are unable to understand it, and so they are trying to pretend that they are "too good" for the technology so no one will think they are too stupid to use it. That doesn't mean anyone would actually think they were too stupid, it just means that they fear people would react that way. None of that means that those who choose not to make use of technology are stupid.

 

[mhsjax]

OK, can we be done now?

 

[RNMOM]

I don't have a Facebook account and don't twitter but only because I don't have much of a life to share. I do have a cell phone and of course a computer. I do online banking and am trying to figure out how to load downloadable books onto my mp3 player. I'll figure it out when I get the time to dig deeply into it. Right now I am working on my taxes, using a computer based program.

Am I holier than thou about not having twitter or facebook, nah. I am surprised so many people do want to share so much of their personal lives on cyberspace.

 

[LuvCuteBoys]

But there are those of us that actually like to hear the other persons voice. And to me it is different. the conversation on the computer isn't the same IMHO. Not everything should be about efficiency. Having a conversation with a relative or best friend isn't about efficiency, it is about connecting with someone. And how many times has it been said on here, that you just can't get the tome of a conversation on a computer. Sure sometimes it is great, but not for everyday conversations, at least not for me.

I "talk" to more people because of facebook and texting than I EVER would without it. There is not nearly enough time in the day for me to call up every single person I know and ask how they are.

There's a great deal of technology that just doesn't make my life any better, so why should I squander money on it?

I use a cell phone for emergencies, so a Tracfone is fine. Texting is the dumbest means of communication yet devised. I know how to do it; I choose not to. If it floats your boat, fine, but I find it devoid of utility. I also think it can be quite damaging, particularly to the preteen and teenage set who do it compulsively at the expense of everything else in life.

I like everything about books. I don't like ebook readers. Ick. Not using them, but I've tried them.

I have a social networking account, but after investing some time in it, I've come to the conclusion that it is an uninteresting waste of time. I'd rather be doing something else.

Some tools are useful to me. Some are not. I'm not going to force myself to use those that don't improve my life. Just because something can be digital doesn't mean it should be.

And this is what I was talking about.