When I started working with computers in the early 1990s, I quickly realized I had a knack for understanding technology and for making it simple for others to use. I started a lucrative side-business to install new computers and provide 1-on-1 training & support.
I was good at it. My customers liked me and I enjoyed working with them.
As I progressed up the career ladder in tech sales, I stopped being the “hands-on” tech guy. Still, I really enjoyed figuring out new tech stuff and frequently played around with the latest software and devices.
So it’s no surprise that people would come to me for help with their computers, internet, phones and other computer related devices.
I took pride in being able to help them.
My elderly relatives made me stop doing this.
They would buy the newest iPhone, tablet or laptop then call me for assistance when they couldn’t do something. I’d patiently walk them through, step-by-step, how to change a setting, connect a printer, join WiFi or whatever else they needed to do.
The problem was, 75% of the time when I said, “Click on XXX menu and then select XXX from the dropdown” they had absolutely no idea how to accomplish this.
Literally, they could see the menu on the screen but couldn’t figure out how to click on it.
It was maddening.
Sometimes, I’d try to setup a Remote Desktop session so I could see their screen and take control. Inevitably, I could never make this work because it required them to click on something or select something that they were incapable of doing.
None of these people I tried to help were dumb. They were educated professionals who had worked their way into solid middle class and upper middle class lifestyles. But for some reason, when it came to computers, it was as if they purposely decided they could never understand them.
I wonder if I’ll be like as I get older.
Because of my anti-consumerist, minimalist, frugal mindset and life, I already don’t “get” much of what appeals to the general public.
I don’t enjoy or use social media. I’ve never experimented with Instagram filters nor made TikTok videos. I have done some limited messing around with LLMs and their derivatives. So far, I’m impressed with their superficial capabilities but underwhelmed with the accuracy and shallowness of what they create.
For the time being, I’m quite confident in my ability to learn new things, figure stuff out and follow instructions.
Barring dementia or similar physiological cognitive impairment, I’m not worried about figuring out consumer technology.
I just won’t be trying to teach tech to other people who aren’t willing to put some effort into it.