Chapter 2: Is Technology Good or Bad? A Healthy Way to Think About It
1. The Big Question: Is Technology Good or Bad?
Many people feel unsure about technology.
Some say it’s wonderful and makes life easier.
Others say it’s confusing, addictive, or dangerous.
The truth is simpler:
Technology itself is neither good nor bad.
It is a tool, and tools depend on how we use them.
A telephone can help you talk to family—or it can interrupt dinner.
A television can teach you—or it can waste time.
A computer can connect you—or it can overwhelm you.
Technology is like fire, electricity, or a car: powerful, useful, and something that needs to be learned and used thoughtfully.
2. Technology Is a Skill, Not a Personality Test
Some people believe they are “not tech people.”
That’s a misunderstanding.
Technology is a skill, just like:
Driving a car
Cooking a meal
Using a remote control
Balancing a checkbook
You weren’t born knowing how to drive or cook.
You learned step by step.
Digital technology works the same way.
It’s not about intelligence, age, or personality.
It’s about learning a few core skills over time.
3. Everyone Must Decide What Technology Means for Them
There is no single “right” way to use technology.
Some people love social media and video calls.
Some prefer email and photos.
Some only want a phone for emergencies.
Your digital life should match your real life.
You get to decide:
What devices you use
What apps you install
How much time you spend online
What you ignore completely
Technology should serve your goals and comfort level, not someone else’s expectations.
4. The Benefits of Technology (When Used Well)
When used intentionally, technology can be extremely helpful.
A. Connection
Video calls with grandchildren
Text messages with friends
Email with doctors or service providers
B. Convenience
Online banking and bill pay
Grocery and pharmacy delivery
Appointment reminders
C. Learning and Entertainment
Streaming TV and movies
Music and podcasts
Online classes, lectures, and books
D. Safety and Support
Emergency calling
Navigation and maps
Smart home safety devices (alarms, doorbells)
Think of technology as a personal assistant that never sleeps.
5. The Downsides (And How to Manage Them)
Technology can also have downsides.
The key is awareness and boundaries.
A. Overwhelm
Too many apps, notifications, and passwords can feel stressful.
Solution: Use only what you need. Keep it simple.
B. Distraction
Phones and TVs can take time away from hobbies, friends, and rest.
Solution: Set limits. Turn off unnecessary notifications.
C. Scams and Privacy Risks
The internet can expose you to fraud and misinformation.
Solution: Learn basic safety rules (we’ll cover these later).
D. Dependence
Relying on technology for everything can feel uncomfortable.
Solution: Use technology as a helper, not a replacement for real life.
6. A Useful Mental Model: Technology as a Toolbelt
Imagine a toolbelt worn by a carpenter.
Hammer → nails
Screwdriver → screws
Tape measure → accuracy
No carpenter uses every tool all the time.
They choose the right tool for the job.
Your digital tools are the same.
Email, maps, streaming, photos—each is a tool.
You decide which ones to wear in your “digital toolbelt.”
7. Growth Mindset: Learning Technology Step by Step
Many people believe technology is too fast and constantly changing.
That is partly true—but the basics change slowly.
Core skills:
Turning a device on and off
Using touch screens or a mouse
Sending messages
Opening a web page
Taking and viewing photos
Once you learn these, new apps are just variations.
Learning technology is like learning a new language:
Start with a few words, then build sentences, then conversations.
8. Personal Rules for Healthy Technology Use
It helps to create your own simple philosophy.
Here are examples you might adopt or adapt:
“Technology should save me time, not waste it.”
“I only use apps that make my life easier or happier.”
“I do not feel pressure to use everything.”
“I ask for help when I need it.”
Your rules can be written down and changed anytime.
9. Technology and Independence
For many seniors, technology can increase independence:
Managing appointments without relying on others
Navigating without paper maps
Keeping in touch without traveling
Managing finances securely
Instead of replacing independence, technology can extend it.
10. The Role of Confidence (More Important Than Skill)
Most technology problems are not caused by lack of intelligence.
They are caused by lack of confidence.
People hesitate to tap buttons, explore menus, or ask questions.
Important truth:
Most devices are designed so you cannot permanently break them by tapping the wrong thing.
Confidence grows by:
Trying
Making small mistakes
Seeing that nothing terrible happens
Learning one feature at a time
11. Technology Is Personal—Not a Race
There is no finish line.
No one gets a trophy for using the most apps.
Some people enjoy smart homes, AI assistants, and digital calendars.
Others prefer a simple phone and television.
Both approaches are valid.
The goal is not to be “modern.”
The goal is to be comfortable, connected, and supported.
12. Your Personal Technology Philosophy (Reflection Exercise)
You can include this as a worksheet in your library.
Think about these questions:
What do I want technology to help me with most?
Talking to family
Entertainment
Organization
Safety
What do I find frustrating about technology?
What devices or apps do I truly enjoy using?
What do I feel pressure to use but don’t actually want?
There are no wrong answers.
13. A Simple Guiding Principle
Technology is a skill to be learned and a tool to be chosen—not something that controls you.
You are in charge.
You decide what to learn, what to ignore, and how it fits into your life.
What’s Next
In the next chapter, we’ll move from philosophy to practical understanding:
Chapter 3: Your Devices—Understanding Your Phone, Tablet, and Computer
We’ll explain:
What each device is best for
How they are similar and different
Which one you actually need (and which you don’t)