International Perspectives on Computers and Technology?

Papercut writes "Here in the US, people seem to have a love-hate relationship with computers and technology in general. People seem to be very receptive to all sorts of gadgets that could make their lives more convenient, yet at the same time, many are unwilling (or possibly unable) to learn how to use said devices. Also, when a new technology has social implications, people and the media tend to focus on the negative (bomb-making info, kiddie porn, etc). This is a question for those Slashdotters living outside the USA: What is the general attitude towards, and relationship with, technology where you live? Is there any kind of irrational fear of the internet? Do most people adapt well to computers, or are they still hunting for the any key? I'd be interested to know what the rest of the world is like in this regard."

pretty much the same in Austria

[Anonymous Coward]

It's pretty much the same here in Europe (Austria in my case), except maybe that people tend to a bit be more skeptic before even accepting new gadgets (this differs across Europe, though). But then they are just as ignorant when it comes to learning how to use them properly.

And the media of course have their feast on the p*rn-, hacker- and virus-headlines just as well. That bad overall image of "the new media" probably adds it's share to the people being sceptic about it. When it comes to things like cell phones (not directly related to the "bad Internet" media hype) Austrian are absolutely crazy about those and for sure how to use them. Then again they don't know (thus care) as much about possible abuses.

I'd say Yes

[KjetilK]

I'm in Norway. Technology gets accepted rather fast, mobile communication is really hot.

It is my impression too: People are unwilling to lift a finger to understand the devices they are using, in fact it is customary to bragg about technical incompetence...

It's really scary, people will become so alienated eventually, I fear only technologists and natural scientists with a deep understanding of technology will be able to relate to other humans through gadgets. To everyone else, the human in the other end is also just a gadget. It gets scary when pushing the button to kill thousands is not a different action from pushing the button on the coffee machine.

This is also reflected in the mainstream media, the understanding of technology and science is terrible.

I mean, you can't expect to get into a car and expect to drive it safely without training. Why should it be different with computers? Every ought to be so simple, I don't think it should, I think people should try to understand a few basics.

Don't forget the other half..

[Galactic-Geek2000]

Half of the world's population has never made a telephone call.

Imagine that!

Galactic Geek

Third World Perspective

[sachachua]

I'm from the Philippines. IT's being strongly pushed by our government and private sector. MIS and other computer-related courses are among the most popular majors in the universities, and the sheer number of technical colleges and institutes says much about how technology is valued in my country.

And in fact it seems that Filipinos have whole-heartedly embraced whatever technologies we have access to. We text (send SMS) more than any other country in the world. Although broadband Internet hasn't quite taken off yet, quite a lot of people have Internet access. Even the Catholic Church has gotten into the action with CBCPnet, its ISP.

Something to think about - many observe that we have a culture of consumerism. The large shopping malls that dominate our landscape stand in stark contrast to the rest of the metropolis. <wry grin> Instead of creating new things, we customize and adapt other people's stuff. Repackage software, maintain systems. <shrug>

This has affected our local industries. We lose a lot of talent - the much-lamented brain drain of computer professionals to richer countries like the United States and Canada that appear to have more opportunities for advancement and growth.

I'll probably post more when I get past all of this work - finals week coming up. =)

Re:Don't forget the other half..

[Reedi]

And sixty percent of the UK adult population carry a mobile telephone. Yet most of them would reel in horror at the thought of getting involved with "technology"

I think mobile telephones (sat or terrestrial) will probably be the way into telephony for the half of the world which has not yet sampled the delights of the engaged tone and Voicemail Vera :-)
There are already parts of the world where the mobile network is more reliable and more secure than other forms of communication.

Wierd huh? Eleven years ago you needed a government licence and a certificate of fitness from the UK Olympic weightlifting team to carry a mobile phone. Now my eleven year old niece takes one to school and it's better than mine!

I give up :-)

Ian

Re:Where is everyone?

[lga]

Not to feed the troll, but most of europe has been asleep for the last five hours...
Anyway, to get back on topic, the attitude in the UK is much the same as the US, although there does seem to be a fashion among more famous people to promote their inability to use technology. Why is this?
Gadget take-up here is perhaps a little less, but the people that do get them generally learn to use them. Mobile phone usage in this country has reached well over 60% after this christmas. People complain about their intrusiveness all the time but most have one!

Personally I think that the focus on negative aspects of technology is being created by the government / media /computer security* companies (*delete as your personal paranoia) who all have something to gain from our fear of technology. The security companies want to sell "fixes" such as anti-virus and web blocking software; the governments can get draconian laws passed allowing them unprecedented control over the population. (DMCA, RIP bill) The media can sell fear and paranoia far easier than good news. Who buys a newspaper with "Internet is useful for shopping" as the headline?

Steve.