Do we (really) underestimate the average user?

[Xiroteus]

I actually think it is crucial for the future of mankind for people to have a basic understanding of how computers and the internet work.

These things have been out for long enough for so many people to still be so clueless.

Do I underestumate the average user?!?! No!!!! Overestimate! People around me never ever fail to dissapoint me with how little they know.

That is closer.

It would be like talking to someone that has had some type of computer for a decade and a half and having conversations like .... *go to your desktop* where is that *skrink your browser and then......* what is a browser?

OHMYGOD!!! That is close, I understand not know the finer details of the computer yet they should know that after a decade.

 

[Ulenspiegel]

I actually think it is crucial for the future of mankind for people to have a basic understanding of how computers and the internet work.

I second that. And I am untroubled as I see the new generations how they use smartphones, computers, the Internet. It is their world, their environment, they grew up in this world. Not like some of us who had to learn, to adjust, to develop together with the "smart world".

 

[smallcoffee]

I second that. And I am untroubled as I see the new generations how they use smartphones, computers, the Internet. It is their world, their environment, they grew up in this world. Not like some of us who had to learn, to adjust, to develop together with the "smart world".

I think most of the people from this generation even, know how to use computers and devices, but they definitely don't understand them.

 

[lowendlinux]

I think most of the people from this generation even, know how to use computers and devices, but they definitely don't understand them.

I'd agree with that assessment and as a tinkerer it concerns me a bit.

 

[Scepticalscribe]

I think most of the people from this generation even, know how to use computers and devices, but they definitely don't understand them.

I'd agree with that assessment and as a tinkerer it concerns me a bit.

But what you are forgetting is how recent this whole radical revolution in information technology - and in commerce - (20 years ago hardly anything was bought online), services, banking, social media, music, information, news, and so on - actually is.

Precisely because it has been so utterly transformational and all encompassing, we forget just how recent it all is.

Of course the technology is widely used and barely understood: It is altering our very lives in ways we don't even begin to recognise, let alone understand.

Give it another decade or so, and then ask whether people understand it, and my guess is that the answer may be somewhat different as people will have integrated some of it - what they think they need to know - a bit better.

 

[smallcoffee]

But what you are forgetting is how recent this whole radical revolution in information technology - and in commerce - (20 years ago hardly anything was bought online), services, banking, social media, music, information, news, and so on - actually is.

Precisely because it has been so utterly transformational and all encompassing, we forget just how recent it all is.

Of course the technology is widely used and barely understood: It is altering our very lives in ways we don't even begin to recognise, let alone understand.

Give it another decade or so, and then ask whether people understand it, and my guess is that the answer ay be somewhat different as people will have integrated some of it - what they think they need to know - a bit better.

I'm sorry, but I disagree. People will likely learn how to better use social media, or banking or what not, but the use of this technology does not lend itself to an increased understanding of the fundamental, underlying construction or interconnections. This is further exacerbated by the rapid pace of change in computers and electronics.

 

[chaosbunny]

Very interesting thread with many good posts.

One thing that’s different when it comes to computers/smartphones compared to cars, cameras, meals etc. is how they can be abused. People who post their entire lives on facebook and never wonder about how or where it is stored or (ab)used seem much more ignorant to me than someone who don’t know what a finder or browser is. More and more methods of surveillance are introduced in things we use on a daily basis, yet most people are totally unaware of that.

Total monitoring of all your activities while using or even only carrying a smartphone could be installed and pretty much no one would notice or even care until it’s too late. Even now that technology is misused if you look at the Snowden/NSA scandal. Who can guarantee it will not be misused even further by another regime in the next 20, 30, 50 years?

When I sometimes point that out the most stupid answer I get is „I have nothing to hide so I don’t care“. Who decides what’s „something to hide“? Certainly not you or me!

 

[Ulenspiegel]

I'm sorry, but I disagree. People will likely learn how to better use social media, or banking or what not, but the use of this technology does not lend itself to an increased understanding of the fundamental, underlying construction or interconnections. This is further exacerbated by the rapid pace of change in computers and electronics.

The new generations do not "learn the new technologies", they are "born into it", they "grow up in it". And it is a difference. It becomes an integral part of them.

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And by the way, do they have to understand the technologies that are part of their lives?

 

[Scepticalscribe]

I'm sorry, but I disagree. People will likely learn how to better use social media, or banking or what not, but the use of this technology does not lend itself to an increased understanding of the fundamental, underlying construction or interconnections. This is further exacerbated by the rapid pace of change in computers and electronics.

But they don't necessarily need to have this understanding in order to be able to use and access the technology and derive benefits from it (or be influenced by it) .

I would see the current revolution in information technology as something akin to the revolutionary effects of steam technology in the early 19th century; trains, factories, ships, industrial revolutions were all powered by this; societies utterly transformed.

In order to harness it successfully, and benefit from it, you didn't necessarily need to have an expert's knowledge on how it actually worked - not unless your actual occupation required you to, or your own personal interests drove you to wish to acquire this information.

Very enjoyable and interesting thread, by the way. Much heat and intelligent argument and debate and little anger; a great combination when found online.

 

[smallcoffee]

But they don't necessarily need to have this understanding in order to be able to use and access the technology and derive benefits from it (or be influenced by it) .

I would see the current revolution in information technology as something akin to the revolutionary effects of steam technology in the early 19th century; trains, factories, ships, industrial revolutions were all powered by this; societies transformed.

In order o harness it successfully, and benefit from it, you didn't necessarily need to have an expert's knowledge on how it actually worked - not unless your actual occupation required you to, or your own personal interests drove you to wish to acquire this information.

Very enjoyable and interesting thread, by the way. Much heat and intelligent argument and debate and little anger; a great combination when found online.

I guess my point is that people in my generation don't have some fundamental understanding of computers that people from perhaps a generation ago do. There isn't anything technical or challenging to learn when typing a reply on Facebook or entering log in credentials for your bank. People from my generation don't have any idea how software works, or how it interacts with hardware, and they won't gain that knowledge by just interacting with a front end.

To your steam engine comparison, that was something I thought of as well, and I'd like to submit that the similiar analogy would be to expect me to understand how my car works by driving it and never opening the hood to look at the engine.

And I agree. This has been a fun discussion!

 

[Cheffy Dave]

I am kinda shocked in this day in age with our lives full of technology how many people are dumbfounded by it. Even younger people seem to be clueless.

you haven't met my Grandaughters, 5,7,9,13 they (7,9,13) are Apple whiz kids, with the 5 year old learning fast, they all are rocking BMB's from 2007 / 2008 running LION, when they turn 15, they will get 15' MBP for High School , and again when they enter University, cus Grampa Can

 

[Apple fanboy]

I have a reasonable understanding of how technology works because I am interested in it and read up on stuff. If I get stuck, I know where to go and find answers.
However I never used a computer in school more than a couple of times. I'm only in my 40's so not a dinosaur. However the current generation has grown up with technology in every part of their life. They have the advantage, but the generation that follow will do things that we can only imagine.

 

[Solomani]

I don't mention these in an arrogant way or to make fun of them, but I was surprised. I realize that people on this forum (me included) have an above average knowledge of computers, but I can't believe people don't even stay informed on the name of their OS. How do you go from iOS 6 to iOS 7 and not even notice it or even know "what an iOS" is? Sometimes it makes me sad that people have so little knowledge about the devices they use.

They don't always have to intricately know their computers to make good use of them. In the instance of "the girl"….. most likely she has a boyfriend who updates and troubleshoots her Mac for her.

I do the same thing for my older semi-retired parents. I troubleshoot and manage their home PC for them. They know how to use it on an everyday basis. But they don't have a clue how to install Norton or run an anti-viral software. That's my job as a son. I check their Windows PC about once or twice a week (I live on the other side of town) to make sure it's not doing anything stupid to frustrate them. I use software tools and such to make sure they don't accidentally download trojans and malware.