After reading “When Technology Fails” by John Horrigan, I had to admit. I can’t fix technological problem without help from another technology. For example, when my computer has any kind of problem, the first thing I do is to go on internet to search for solutions. For me, most of the computer problems could be fixed by conducting extensive search online. If it still can’t be fixed by the power of Google, then I call tech support with my cell phone. All of these problem-solving skills include technology device or tools. Yes, it’s sad, but I have to admit I am powerless without technology.
The article mentions that the technology failure is often due to people’s improper handling of device or equipments. I agree. Technological devices today are so complicated that it is even difficult for technology savvy people to keep the device for a long time without breaking it. There could be many other reasons, but I blame this to MANUALS. I believe most people do not read user’s manual that comes with devices. (Well, we read it, but most people read only a small portion of it) As we discussed few days ago, our attention span in the 21st century is extremely short, and we usually don’t spend much time reading manuals for every new equipment we buy. The main reason I believe is the unfriendly and boring nature of these manuals. It’s too thick and too wordy. I would rather read a Shakespeare than manual for my portable media player. People like me feel fine by knowing just the basics. This, however, does not help us manage devices properly.
Maybe in future, every manuals and tech support will be digitized. We will have a CD or DVD that comes with the product explaining everything as a video. This is costly, but if this gets standardized, then users will be more tolerable to learn how to manage the device more efficiently, possibly resulting decrease in technological breakdown.
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