International Perspectives on Computers and Technology?

Papercut writes "Here in the US, people seem to have a love-hate relationship with computers and technology in general. People seem to be very receptive to all sorts of gadgets that could make their lives more convenient, yet at the same time, many are unwilling (or possibly unable) to learn how to use said devices. Also, when a new technology has social implications, people and the media tend to focus on the negative (bomb-making info, kiddie porn, etc). This is a question for those Slashdotters living outside the USA: What is the general attitude towards, and relationship with, technology where you live? Is there any kind of irrational fear of the internet? Do most people adapt well to computers, or are they still hunting for the any key? I'd be interested to know what the rest of the world is like in this regard."

Comments

I'd say Yes

[KjetilK]

I'm in Norway. Technology gets accepted rather fast, mobile communication is really hot.

It is my impression too: People are unwilling to lift a finger to understand the devices they are using, in fact it is customary to bragg about technical incompetence...

It's really scary, people will become so alienated eventually, I fear only technologists and natural scientists with a deep understanding of technology will be able to relate to other humans through gadgets. To everyone else, the human in the other end is also just a gadget. It gets scary when pushing the button to kill thousands is not a different action from pushing the button on the coffee machine.

This is also reflected in the mainstream media, the understanding of technology and science is terrible.

I mean, you can't expect to get into a car and expect to drive it safely without training. Why should it be different with computers? Every ought to be so simple, I don't think it should, I think people should try to understand a few basics.