Does anyone have tips on how to manage “computer anxiety?”
No th ing gets me going more than having to book a flight, or fill out a government form, or purchase insurance, or any other computer based activity that I deem “high stakes” as far as expensive perhaps or hard to undo a mistake.
It’s almost debilitating. I get my husband to stay in the room with me, which helps a bit, but honestly, I’d like to be able to do these jobs on my own too.
Recognition of "computer anxiety" is one of the reasons that I am drawn to work in Information Technology.I find technology to be interesting, and apparently have a knack for working with it. But what really drives me in my work is my desire to help people.
I want to make technology work better for PEOPLE!
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To me, computer anxiety seems a lot like test anxiety or workplace anxiety, or like the anxiety that I feel when filling out official forms (like when filing taxes). A lot of it is feeling unsure if one is doing things right.
I know you're a rational person who knows this, but I've heard some people say that they feel like the computer is "smarter" than them. I can assure you that's not true...even with the most advanced AI. They are still simply tools to use.
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Since you say it helps to have your husband in the room, then it seems a coping strategy that works for you is probably having a "body-double". Either that, or your husband has a calming effect for you.
• Would you get some benefit from having a picture of your husband that you can see while you're working on the computer?
• Maybe it would help to have a virtual body-double that you can work with.
Other things that you can do to help reduce anxiety include:
• Drinking water, having a snack, chewing gum
• Exercising
• Meditation/mindfulness
• Journaling about what you're experiencing, thinking, and feeling
• Seeing a therapist
You can also try to make your environment more comfortable:
• Put on music you enjoy, or play nature sounds
• Make it smell good (scented candle, oil infused, aromatherapy, etc)
• Make your computer space look and feel more comfortable
• If you can afford it and like the interface, get a Mac. {I'm a diehard Windows user, but I've observed that for some reason people who use Apple computers seem to be less anxious. I don't know if it's the design of the hardware, the operation system, both, or just a mindset. This is just one IT guy's observation... there's nothing scientific about it. But if Steve Jobs were still alive, I'm sure he'd have some reason to give you support my observation. ...it might be the opposite, that people who are less anxious choose Macs.}
Note: The Mac comment was intended as humor. The fact of the matter is that people seem more at ease when using the computer devices that they are most comfortable and familiar with.
But I have genuinely observed that, on average, Mac users do seem to be less anxious. I'm just curious why that is.
Thank-you sooo much STEM_Dad! I have noticed that you frequently have very insightful and helpful suggestions on this chat. You've done it again. For some reason, i never thought of incorporating actual "anxiety reducing" tips while using a computer really, i just assumed it was hopeless. (Unlike other areas of my life where I use these tools, sometimes even effectively ; ) And you are right, it is totally a matter of feeling that I am useless and the computer is somehow way smarter than me. I have thought for a while now that if I was more knowledgeable my anxiety may decrease. i already have apple products at home, but use windows and a special healthcare program at work. (EPIC) It doesn't help me that things change constantly on computers and i never seem to stay current. Just when I get used to doing something, even apple products will change something to make it "more intuitive" which of course just makes it impossible for me to perform the function I want. ( Recently I learned how to get to the control page of my newest iphone so I could use "Do not disturb" after I have had this phone for 2 years.) I feel so much empathy for peope who are expected to do everything for themselves online now, those who are of an even older generation than I am and who may speak even less 'computer' than I do. I commend you on your choice of work. Thoughtful and empathetic IT people are truly a godsend to folks like me and many others.
If youre like me your husband is more like your external harddrive..... or your working memory....You can turn to him ...tell him the options and he interns tells the you the correct responses. Its a team effort. But, I get wanting to do these things yourself. They do offer hands on computer classes at your local library for free. Or online computer courses. From what I understand you pay a one-time fee and you can use it for life. Not sure which site that is but I'll look later. I don't have it but the hubby does. Youtube is my friend.... you can look up anything you want to learn! I used to either buy or check out books... .So I could help my kids with school for the subjects I couldnt even almost pretend to know. "Because if you can read ,you can learn anything". But since I'm a visual learning which I guess in a since really everyone are visual learners....I really like videos more.
When it comes to airfare bookings, do you use the same site or do you feel you must go to different sites chasing the best deal? That by itself is stressful, let alone navigating each site's particular quirks.
I would limit myself to 1 booking site. I would also have figured out before going online, all possible dates you can travel plus best times to fly. I would also have frequent flyer numbers & passwords etc handy so you don't have to stop midway to go look those up.
Also practicing making a booking could help ease stress. Pretend to book a flight for anywhere - zambia, iceland, etc. There is no pressure to get it right so you can familiarize yourself with the steps on the booking website.
most of these things can be done on a physical form I believe. I know flights can be booked over the phone. You can also go to a disability services location and they can help you so you’re not doing g the computer work.
I feel your fear! I have the same issue. Forms (especially ones that don't have enough available choices on a multiple choice question, or no space to write an explanation), bills (I've over- and under-paid), and shopping (I've ordered multiples of things I wanted only one of), and not getting a physical receipt without copying and pasting the information into a document (I have a love/hate relationship with paper) - are my on-line stressors. I have to read and reread everything on the screen before I hit 'submit' or 'place order'. And the fact that it's difficult or impossible to contact anyone if I have questions is very frustrating; oftentimes a site's FAQ's are grossly inadequate. 😕
I have no better advice for you than what STEM-Dad gave you; just wanted you to know you're not alone!
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