Many have experienced helplessness in front of a computer screen. But some become uneasy literally at every “meeting” with him. Where do these feelings come from? And how to deal with them?
Svetlana, 48 years old, account manager
“When the new software was installed in the office, I was very worried: I still could not adapt, and my younger colleagues had no difficulties. But I was embarrassed to ask them for help. Further – worse: I just fell into a stupor, it seemed to me that everyone sees my helplessness, and my qualifications are in question. This went on until one day the boss, noticing my torment, admitted that he was a layman in computer science. “I also!” I exclaimed in relief, and we both laughed. This moment changed everything. As if in my “war” with the computer, I had a strong ally. I realized that I was stronger, stopped being shy to ask questions, and I began to do much better!”
“The computer is a convenient tool for solving our problems, but some often forget about it and begin to perceive it as an intelligent system that decides and performs something on its own,” says cognitive psychologist Maria Falikman. “For example, when the confirmation box “Are you sure you want to close this application?” appears on the screen, the person imagines that he is being asked a vital question.” From here one step to the recognition that the computer has its own will!
I’m losing control. “This is a property of the human psyche – we tend to animate complex systems, the principle of which we do not fully understand,” continues the psychologist. So our ancestors deified the forces of nature, seeing in them formidable gods – the arbiters of destinies. We also feel something similar when, by pressing the wrong button, we see how “it” erases the desired document. The less we control, the more “it” controls us. “An inexperienced driver feels the same way behind the wheel,” the psychologist compares. – If he does not fully control the car, and the car does something against his will and against his intentions, he becomes scared. Unpredictability and uncontrollability are the main sources of helplessness.”
I feel Sitting in front of the monitor, we are left face to face with the world of logic, mathematics, and yet many of us are not at odds with them. “Those who tend to perceive the world more on the level of feelings and emotions, in the event of a computer malfunction, immediately think that it was their fault, that they did something bad,” says Fabienne Fenouillet, an expert in the psychology of learning. . “Besides, the one who was not allowed to break and ruin toys as a child has not experienced his power over objects. Therefore, such a person more often than others feels the superiority of objects over himself. And to this day he hears a strict parental voice: “Do not touch, otherwise you will break!”
I’m afraid of judgment. “In the age of computer science, we are forced to flaunt what was previously always hidden from outsiders,” notes psychoanalyst Joseph Rouzel. Thanks to computer networks, our work is available for review by colleagues in an unfinished form, with all the errors and inaccuracies that everyone can notice, read and comment on. Living under surveillance is a difficult test, “especially for those who seek recognition at work,” the psychoanalyst emphasizes: “Those who lacked the attention and approval of loved ones at a time when the psyche is developing, hardly dare to stand before the court of strangers.” As a result, there is a dislike for the computer – a kind of defense mechanism.
What to do?
Make an action plan
“You can often remind yourself that the computer is not an element and not an expression of the will of the gods,” advises Maria Falikman. – Although it is “smart”, but only a machine. In addition, it can be imperfect: programmers sometimes make mistakes. Make a plan of what to do in case of a computer failure. What will you do – read the instructions, call a friend, call a specialist … It is useful to take care in advance that the necessary phone numbers are at hand.
Believe in yourself
Computer courses will help build confidence in your abilities. “Your ultimate goal is to use your computer freely. But the path to achieving it will become more exciting if you imagine that it is a game or an adventure, notes Fabien Fenouillet. “By exploring the secrets of the Web or understanding the “stuffing” device (processors, RAM, hard drive), you can get rid of the fear of the computer and enjoy working with it.”
Compare yourself to others
“Thinking of the computer as a problem, we drive ourselves into a dead end and begin to suffer in earnest. To prevent this from happening, it’s better not to dramatize the situation, ”advises Joseph Ruzel. Comparing yourself with other users of your level, you can see that most are faced with similar difficulties. Instead of wasting time on self-criticism, you can use it to study and move forward.