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Subject:PC Phobia info... From:Marilynne Smith <m -dot- smith182 -at- GENIE -dot- GEIS -dot- COM> Date:Sat, 26 Aug 1995 18:18:00 UTC
RE: People who are fearful of PCs
I see it simply as a career issue. If you don't learn a reasonable amount
about computers and know how to do the basics, you are going to become that
"funny person over there who won't use computers." That isn't a label I'd
care to have. (Not one that I'm in danger of wearing, either.)
I suggest a required "hands-on," non-threatening, basic introduction to
computers. Then, I'd put a PC on their desk and show them how to play
computer games. Something about playing solitaire on the computer makes it
less threatening. Be supportive. Fear of computers is a real thing to some
people.
I think the main reason for computer phobia is the fear of looking foolish
or the deep down fear that maybe you won't be able to learn it. We know
that isn't realistic, but it isn't universal belief.
Marilynne
m -dot- smith182 -at- genie -dot- geis -dot- com