We hear and read over and over again that the world has changed, and that people are living life in a new way, which is more digitized and infused with technology. This is not wrong, but let’s be honest, everyone decides how to live and what kind of changes to accept into their lifestyle or daily routine. When it comes to tech innovations, what we see is that many people resist those and prefer to live life in an old-fashioned way, with paper and pen.

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No judgment, it’s a matter of preference. On the other side, especially some old people still do not fully grasp the tech changes that despite being quite simple ideas, can still confuse some of them due to unfamiliarity. The dynamics of how frequently we witness innovations nowadays play a big role, and some of us feel unable to catch up with those dynamics.

What else is behind the resistance of some of us towards tech changes and how those changes may positively change us people?

Is Digital as Real as It Seems To Be?

One major reason why some of us can’t get along with technology is the disbelief that digital reality can be as real as our tangible life. When we see people still pay with cash instead of using cards or digital wallets, it’s because they may want to have the cash in their hands. I heard some people saying that when their money is in a bank, they have the feeling that it doesn’t belong to them anymore.

When Scorsese was filming his legendary movie “Casino” and Dahl was building the beautiful scenes of “Rounders” at the end of the 90s, people had this interest in casinos and the luxurious life they may showcase. Very soon the internet changed the way players enjoy their game, transforming the face of brick-and-mortar casinos into digital platforms. Yet so many people would not associate online gameplay with the excitement at traditional venues. Only decades later, they realized that digital platforms are the same as real casino offers, with a new style and payment options. Moreover, many of them were convinced of better accessibility and, why not, affordability online platforms could provide.

Although many people have a lack of interest in digital activities, especially when it involves finances and personal data, they slow by slowly and may adapt to the new reality, once they see the benefits. In other words, sometimes they need to see that innovations offer the same benefits as traditional services and products, with additional offerings and advantages.

The Comfort of the Familiar

It’s very natural that for some of us, change can be uncomfortable, simply because there’s something unique about what we’ve already mastered. For some, venturing into the world of apps, streaming services, and digital payments can feel like stepping onto an alien planet. There are a few reasons why the familiar might win out over the cutting-edge. Sometimes, new technologies require us to learn new skills. For those who didn’t grow up learning about computers, even basic tasks like online banking can feel complex. In fact, 7% of Americans don’t use the internet at all, which is enough to imagine the number of activities they cannot initiate since those are internet-based.

Additionally, when the old system works perfectly fine, the motivation to adopt a new one can be low. Why switch to a digital calendar when your trusty paper planner gets the job done? Sometimes, a compelling reason to change needs to present itself. Think about how many people finally embraced email only when getting online became essential for work or staying in touch with loved ones.

Security concerns and a fear of the unknown loom large for many who hesitate to embrace technology. News stories about data breaches and online scams fuel a sense of apprehension, making some feel safer sticking with what they perceive as less vulnerable systems.

The Tangible vs. the Intangible

There’s something different about the physical world, such as when you feel the book in your hands, the weight of coins in your pocket, etc. – these sensory experiences are deeply infused in how we interact with the world. Digital alternatives can sometimes feel less substantial, and less permanent. Let’s explore this a bit further. When we hold a physical object, there’s an undeniable sense of “this is mine”.

Digital files, however, can feel not very real, even if they technically belong to us and we access them at any time. There’s a psychological shift that needs to happen to trust that our data is safe in a server called Cloud.

Finally, many of our appreciated traditions revolve around physical interactions. Sharing family recipes handwritten in a paper notebook, exchanging physical gifts for holidays, or getting together by the fireplace with a good book. Technology offers digital substitutes for many of these experiences, but it can be hard to replicate the emotional resonance that comes with those tangible rituals.