Stress and Health Online Blog
Technology Can Be Frustrating
If you are like me, you have a lot of technology in your life which can cause you stress. Between my home and my work, I have too many devices: a Blackberry, a computer, an Ipod, an Ipad. Most of the time they work pretty well. Taken together, they allow me to work efficiently from virtually anywhere in the world. They are also a source of entertainment and relaxation for me no matter where I am. They save a lot of space in my house and help me be more organized. I no longer have to have a library of books or a collection of CDs and DVDs. I do not have to pick up a paper copy of the newspaper to catch up with the news.
However, they can also take a lot of my time, and when they fail to work properly, they can be very stressful. I would say that I cope with the stress of computer frustration on a daily basis, which often leads to reduced efficiency at work or somewhere else.
At work, my computer is extremely slow. I typically log in to the computer and then spend about 20 minutes waiting for it to start. That is when I do most of my office organizing, which is helping me keep one of my New Year’s Resolutions. But it is not just the computer itself that has problems. Some of the individual computer programs also have their issues. Last week, I went to run some data analyses and found that my data analysis program license had expired. So, it took a phone call, a return phone call, and 30 minutes of not being able to use the computer to fix that issue the next day. This happens every year. One program that I use to manage references has constant and evolving problems interfacing with the word processing software. These programs often act up right before a grant deadline, making me want to give up the process of writing the grant entirely.
But my computer frustrations are not limited to the office. Today, I went to log into my Google account and had a surprise. All of the settings of the account were in Bulgarian. Incidentally, I do not speak or read Bulgarian. I just sat there looking at it for a while. There was not one word I could understand. I played around with it for about a half hour. Eventually I figured out how to fix it.
I am rather fearless when it comes to tinkering around with my devices. If I need to replace a battery in a computer, I will take it apart. A few weeks ago I took my Blackberry apart to clean the track ball. I will also play around with programs and search for solutions myself. This approach seems to be part of my personality and applies to other areas of my life. If I do not know how to do a statistical test, I usually research it to find the way. So while I get frustrated when my technology does not work, I can usually figure out a way to resolve the problem. This active way of coping with frustration helps me reduce the stress.
For many people, having a piece of technology that does not work can be frustrating, embarassing, or frightening. I recently overheard a conversation while I was getting my car fixed. I live in Florida, so each year many people come from areas north of us and stay through the winter to avoid the cold weather. The couple having the conversation were older adults and were talking about their trip down from a northern U.S. state. During their trip, they got lost. What struck me about the conversation was that they mentioned that they owned a GPS device. They received it three years ago as a gift from one of their children. But, so far they haven’t taken it out of the box.
After hearing them talk, I wondered how many devices were laying around people’s houses because the owners could not operate them. It seems that there are a lot of reactions to the stress of operating technological devices, from trying to find solutions to the problem to hiding it in your closet.
My question to you is this: What do you do when you experience stress from technology? How do you handle this frustration?
Photograph courtesy of channah.
27 Responses to Stress and Technology: What Do You Do When Your Devices Fail You?
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Kristen,
I see you active in the blogging group, and you seem like a really nice and supportive person. I was so looking forward to reading your post.
The title was especially interesting to me, as the color of your background bugged my eyes out so, that I could not get through to read. I’m sorry. I even scrolled and re-tried a couple of times.
The white square here is doable. You might consider adjusting the background color here.
As there does not appear to be other comments, maybe this is an opportunity for tweaks that make your blog skyrocket.
I will look forward to visiting again.
~Keri
Keri RECENTLY POSTED..26 High-energy Professionals To Help Grow Your Business in 2012
Keri, thanks for your comments. I have never had another reader mention how much they dislike the background of the blog before. That is too bad that you were unable to read it. For the other blog readers out there, could you let me know how you feel about the background? I would love to have your feedback and suggestions!
The background doesn’t bother me. I can see it just fine
Martha Giffen RECENTLY POSTED..Powerful Ways To Promote Your Business For Free
Readable but not easy to read on laptop screen. I suggest that readers increase font size in their options. It helps.
Roberta Budvietas RECENTLY POSTED..To reduce risk, ask more questions
Thanks for the feedback Roberta! I appreciate it.
Kristen RECENTLY POSTED..Work-Life Balance: New Policies at the National Science Foundation
Thanks Martha. I am glad that you can read it. I always enjoy your blog! Thanks for coming by.
The white on purple isn’t the best (when you have links) but the rest is completely legible to me. I have no problem seeing it or reading it at all!
Lauren Huston RECENTLY POSTED..Instagram Tips from my Labradoodle
Thanks Lauren for your feedback. I am trying to think of what to do with the links. I am kind of attached to the blue background. Thanks for coming by!
Luckily, I am pretty intuitive when it comes to technology. It doesn’t take me long to learn how to use new things like iPads, Kindles, Nooks, iPods, etc. The technology that DOES get to me, though, is my hosting service. When my blogs’ hosting goes down, I panic and cannot rest until the issue is solved. I will sit on the phone with hosting while trying to also chat with them on their online tech support to see how I can get it solved in the quickest manner. I think that when I have a tech malfunction, I develop tunnel vision and that is how I cope with the issue.
Lauren Huston RECENTLY POSTED..Instagram Tips from my Labradoodle
Hi Lauren, That is a good point. I forgot about hosting issues since they haven’t happened in a while. If the blog and website are not there when I look them up, it does make me feel fearful. I would have to say that I know less about the technical issues in hosting too, making me more afraid. It is good that you see help (lots of help) when that happens!
Well, you saw how I handle if-very much like you do – I blog about it and hopefully laugh about it. When it gets really bad, I go take a walk. It always helps my frustrations. Doesn’t do much for the computer, but sure helps me.
I’ll have to bookmark this post so if I ever have my Google account start speaking Bulgarian. Hysterical!
Cathy Miller RECENTLY POSTED..Technology Slaps the Pollyanna Right Out of You
Yes, I would have to say that getting away from the frustration is always helpful! I will do that too if it is a particularly difficult problem. Yes, feel free to get in touch if your Google account is in Bulgarian. I had to google the words that were printed on there to figure out that it was Bulgarian. That was a first. The solution was simple–I cleared the browser history.
Hi Kristen! I can’t believe you can’t speak Bulgarian; it’s just like Armenian but less Slavic. I am sorry to know about your work computer; you should trim your operating programs to what you really need –specially does that starts automatically.
Gustavo| Frugal Science RECENTLY POSTED..29 magic questions for exploring your own life
There are some things that I do well, but speaking a slavic language is not one of them! The work computer is always a joy. It has never really worked very well. I trimmed the programs at start up but the IT folks also wanted me to wipe the hard drive and start over, which made me nervous. I am trying to cope with it until it gets to that point. Having to reinstall everything and the threat of losing anything are enough motivation to just live with it for a while.
I am not a techie person but I do use my fair share of technology. I know what you mean about the frustration when it doesn’t work though. Even the TV remote can put me in a tailspin if it stops working! Nice post!
Martha Giffen RECENTLY POSTED..Powerful Ways To Promote Your Business For Free
Hi Kristen, I loved your post,. I am one of those less than techy type people. I’m not afraid of it… I just don’t get far when trying to figure ‘some’ things out alone. This can be ‘computer related’… but I also have shortfalls when it comes to my kids ‘devices’. ie: we have a WII, a PS2 an X Box… plus we all have iPods, iPhones, Netflix, PV’s, DVR’s… good grief!!
I know there is a way you can tie your household electronics to your other devices… to make everything work efficiently. I just don’t know how to do it nor the interest on spending the time.
My solution: Grovel to my ex brother in law!
He can ‘show’ me and I’m a visual learner… so often if things need tweaking later, I can handle that.
Regarding your background… I don’t have a problem with it. If anything you might lighten it a shade or two if others find it difficult but to be honest I think it is very nice.
Jayne
Jayne Kopp RECENTLY POSTED..Are You a Forward Thinker or Stuck In the Past?
Thanks for coming by Jayne! When you count all of the devices that you use, they really add up. In my world, they seem to take turns malfunctioning! That is great that you have someone who can give you guidance about what to do. I am glad that you like the background. It is great to have some feedback.
Funny this was one of the topics that I was thinking about when I asked a question about what do people do when waiting. We have got so dependent on the technology that we have lost the ability to talk and do off line things. Saw a few minutes of an Ellen Degeneris at the Apollo and she was talking about how technology has taken over our lives so much that we are almost forgetting how to live
Roberta Budvietas RECENTLY POSTED..To reduce risk, ask more questions
I know. I hate to have to wait anywhere without something to do. Usually it is my email on my phone, but sometimes it is a paper to read and edit. I guess I can do both low and high tech waiting activities. The phone is easier to carry though than a bunch of papers.
Kristen RECENTLY POSTED..Doing the Right Thing Can Be A Hassle, Yet Rewarding
Kristen,
It’s amazing how we have become so dependent on technology in our lives and our stress levels are affected by their use. I miss the low tech days. Generally, I find if one breaks, I have a back up to use. That’s just nature of the beast in our tech world. It’s easy to get frustrated, but I try to let a cool head prevail and work to problem solve the issue. I also don’t depend on these devices for everything, I still have low tech items as a back up. Great piece. As an aside, I’m sorry about the comments on your blog colors. I find them to be very good. The blue is a good choice, the pink links may be a little bright but they do stand out. I’m sorry others disagree. Cheers. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
Jen Olney (@gingerconsult) RECENTLY POSTED..Give’em A Taste…Not The Whole Meal.
Thanks for coming by Jen. I appreciate your comments. I do the same thing–have backup devices in case one fails. But then sometimes they fail too! I had a backup drive that malfunctioned this past year. Very stressful! I also appreciate your feedback about the blog colors. I am taking in everyone’s thoughts to see if I should make changes.
It is for most part extremely frustrating when the devices you heavily rely on start malfunctioning. I usually have a back for everything I use. One thing i find very annoying is slow computer speed. Nothing much could be done as it is an issue associated with the service providers. Move on!
Masood Rushdee RECENTLY POSTED..Best Google Analytics Alternatives
A slow computer is extremely frustrating. My work computer is strange. It is slow when it starts but relatively normal after that. Not very fast, but not as slow as it is when it starts. Thanks for coming by Masood!
very nice blog
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huda RECENTLY POSTED..TooBaco flat Foot Shoes
Thanks for stopping by!
Oh boy was this a well timed post for me! I spent at least 4 full days with no computer at home. Totally had to wipe it and along with the problems the router had issues so I couldn’t even use my wireless smartphone applications.
How I coped was to set times to go to Starbucks, enjoy a coffee and try to stay on top of emails and such as much as possible. It was very frustrating but you know I finally the second day fessed up to my readers and group members and every one was so very supportive and understanding. It was in the end, a blessing is disguise I think. Add to the nice break I got so much done around the house and spent some extra fun time with my boyfriend and my dog.
It made me wonder about how much time I end up spending on line and to take a look at that.
Great post!
Bonnie RECENTLY POSTED..Failure is totally an option!
I know exactly what you are saying. When I have some major computer meltdown, it does give me a chance to catch up with other things, especially organizing things, which is one of my goals for this year. Perhaps I should pull myself away from the computer more to be better organized! Thanks for stopping by Bonnie.