Gadgetry Intimidation

Like me, do you suffer from gadgetry intimidation? 

The terminology itself causes intimidation.  I’m faced with learning a new language for every new appliance, app, or technology I use. 

Sometimes the intimidation comes from a gap in spatial intelligence, especially when faced with product assembly. This happened recently when we bought new bar stools for the island in our kitchen.  Assembly was required when the stools arrived from Amazon. We opened the box and looked at the instructions.  Thankfully diagrams accompanied the instructions! We carefully unpacked multiple small bags of screws, screw caps, Allen wrenches, chair legs, brackets and seats. We waited a day to muster the energy and determination to assemble the stools.  Why are there always more screws than holes? After spending an average of 2 hours per stool we finally sat comfortably at the island.  My husband muttered that we would reconsider future purchases where assembly is required.

Some equipment requires mechanical knowledge or intuition.  We have a new power washer at the cottage.  It’s an ‘improved’ version of our previously owned power washer but getting the water and the electrical connections to work together takes resolve. And, time!

Most often gadgetry intimidation involves technology. One of my friends told me that one of his retirement regrets was allowing technology to ‘pass him by’ after he left the office where technology supports were given to him.  He stubbornly kept his flip phone and stopped using a computer after he retired!  Sadly, he now relies on grandchildren to help him pay bills online, order products, and deal with government agencies like Service Ontario or the Canada Revenue Agency.

I’m no technology whiz but I swore I would try to keep up with my iPhone, iPad and computer.

I almost gave up on technology when we bought a new washing machine for the cottage that required a wifi connection.  Why do I need wifi on a washing machine?  I did get it connected and received messages on my phone when a load of laundry finished.   When the app failed after a few loads, I found a chat on the manufacturer’s website.  It was powered by AI (Artificial Intelligence) and provided no help!  I decided to run the washing machine without worrying about the wifi connection! Disconnecting was impossible until I pulled the plug and restarted the washing machine! I will reconsider re-installing wifi on the washing machine. I’ve joked that I will wait until the app sorts laundry, loads the machine and moves the wet clothes from the washer to the dryer!

Another recent challenge was troubleshooting the smart thermostat at the cottage.  After a huge thunderstorm and 100 km winds accompanied by 35-degree C temperatures, we woke up to a blank screen on the thermostat.  We needed the air conditioning and it wasn’t working without the thermostat. I started by checking the breaker panel to verify that no switches were tripped. Since power was available, I turned to Google and YouTube for advice. I found lots of information about condensation blocking communication between the AC unit and the furnace.  Just before calling our repair service, I found a post that suggested taking the cover off the thermostat, waiting 30 seconds, and replacing the cover.  Voila!  It blinked back with a welcoming ‘hi’! The simple fix worked!

I’m pleased to help my husband when he gets stuck like when he recently upgraded his glucose monitor and needed to set it up using an app on his iPhone.  We had a similar experience linking new hearing aids with an app on his phone.  I won’t mention gadgets for my camera or in my car! Persistence and a bit of patience usually pay off but there are moments……..

How to cope with Gadgetry Intimidation

1. Because I refuse to be beaten down, I will fight intimidation with experimentation.  Trying various solutions often solves the problem.  The time-worn solution of turning off the device and re-starting it can often solve minor issues.  Or, as stated earlier in the post, pulling the plug!
2. Google and YouTube are great for troubleshooting.  Chances are that others have had similar problems and posted helpful solutions.
3. Recognize that every new purchase will involve a learning curve. It’s a given that new skills are a requirement as almost every appliance comes with built-in technology. Soon enough using the gadget will seem like second nature.

Changes in every area of life are a given.  Mistakes will happen as we adapt. Feeling uncomfortable with change is a normal part of learning. A positive mindset about inevitable changes leads to personal growth. I celebrate every small success and refuse to wallow in the negative feelings of intimidation. 

Thanks for reading the post.  Enjoy your day!