Are YOU a tech-wiz?
Originally posted at auromheim.net

I was studying for my midterm-exam in the cafeteria today (yes, I concentrate better with background noise), and next to me at the table sat a very animated group. I found myself listening to their conversation, because a lot of what they were talking about was funny and a whole lot more interesting than the standard enthalpy of formation. One of the things they talked about was a mutual friend, a girl, who apparently wasn’t very good at technological stuff. At first I too thought it was funny, but then I started thinking about expectations. It really is expected of young people today to be good at computers and other technology. All the information from my university goes through the Internet, a lot of the tasks set are supposed to be delivered over the Net. Having your own laptop is almost a necessity.

So what do you do if you’re from a poor family and can’t afford your own computer? Or if you’re past forty, back in Uni to finally get your masters degree? I know my mother would’ve been very frustrated if she had to use the computer to the extent that we do. Or maybe you’ve just spent your time doing other things than staring at a computer screen? You probably have basic computer skills, but how about knowing that the way to get around the .docx glitch in the task delivery program is to save as .html?

I’m sure it must be frustrating for some people to be expected to be tech-savvy, or, like the girl above, laughed at for their lack of computer skills. Then again, you can argue that the way everything is being digitalised these days, people should get up-to-date on the technological front. Personally, I’m a bit in favor of the last argument, though I know that it’s not an easy thing to do for many people.

And on a slightly different note: how many times have you reacted with surprise when someone told you they didn’t have a Facebook account? That’s a thing that’s become expected too, and it’s like you’re completely anti-social if you don’t have one. But don’t get me started on the iffyness of even our social life going through computers.