How To Overcome Your Fear Of Technology

It feels like every minute, every hour, there is another new piece of technology coming out. Our news and social media feeds are filled with talk of new iPhones, artificial intelligence, cryptocurrency, and so much more. Technology is advancing at an unprecedented pace, and for those of us who aren’t 20 anymore, it’s easy to feel like we’re being left out of the conversation. I know a lot of women who have a fear of technology, but want to stay relevant and avoid having the world advance beyond their understanding. I’ve had to overcome this fear myself, so I’m here to help and give you my advice. 

Here are five ways you can stay relevant, stay up-to-date with technology, and expand your knowledge base so you never feel incompetent. 

1. Do your research 

If you’re someone who feels extremely behind when it comes to technology, my first piece of advice is to do a little research about the tech world. You can start by reading tech blogs, technology sections of news publications, or even reviews for newly launched products. Not only will this familiarize you with the companies in the tech industry, but it can spark your interest in various types of technology, so learning about them doesn’t feel like a chore. 

A few sites I love for tech and product news are: 

• TechCrunch

• The Verge 

• Wired

• Gizmodo

• CNET

• Engadget

2. Utilize free resources

Not sure how to do something? Chances are there’s a free how-to resource out there. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve looked things up on Google or YouTube and either acquired a new skill or completed a task in minutes because of it. The internet has its downsides, but a major upside is that we have a LOT of free or inexpensive information at our fingertips. YouTube is a godsend for phone and computer-related troubles—all you have to do is search “how to do XYZ on an iPhone” and you’ll almost certainly find what you’re looking for. The same goes for specific skills! For instance, if you want to learn more about graphic design, YouTube and Adobe are wonderful free resources. 

3. Ask a friend 

I’m not sure exactly when this happened in our history, but somewhere along the way it became “uncool” to ask for help. Some people think that admitting you need help or that you don’t know something means you aren’t intelligent or you’re needy. Honestly, I don’t understand that at all. The smartest people I’ve ever met ask for help—they know their limitations, and they’re happy to bring someone aboard to teach them what they need to know or help them by doing it for them. If you have a friend who is a website designer, an iPhone wizard, a camera guru, or they possess a skill that could help you… ask them for assistance! Offer to pay them or trade your time for something they need (maybe they need someone to watch their pet or house while they’re away, who knows). Most people are happy to lend a hand, especially if it’s something they have years of expertise in.

4. Ask an expert

In a similar vein, if you don’t have a friend who can help, seek out an expert. Sites like Thumbtack and TaskRabbit have made it easier than ever to hire a professional on short notice. There are numerous professionals who specialize in tech support, give computer lessons, or work in IT. Alternatively, you can go straight to the tech company for help. For example, for Apple products, you can schedule a one-on-one meeting with a specialist or take a workshop at your local Apple store. I even know people who have gone to Best Buy for help and had great experiences with the Geek Squad. 

5. Take a class

Finally, you can take a class. Companies like Khan Academy and Goodwill offer free beginner computer classes, and plenty of other companies have low cost options for education (I found this list of companies that offer computer classes here). Nowadays there are thousands, if not hundreds of thousands, of options available for both online courses and in-person classes. Skillshare is another great platform where you can find online classes for nearly any skill you desire. 

Whatever route you take, the most important thing is to take action. Don’t let your technology sit there unused, and don’t let your knowledge fade into oblivion. You CAN learn anything, you just need to take the time and seek out the right people. 

For more tips like these, make sure to follow @purejoywellness on Instagram and join our Private Pure Joy Wellness Facebook Group! 

Xo, 

Renata