Writing Assignment 1: Why people resist new technology

People resist new technology because technology represents change in their way of life. New technology unsettles those who are familiar in their established routine. This is true as adapting to a new course of action requires time and knowledge. Furthermore, some people are skeptical that new technology would serve them better than existing technology. Frustration sets in when people have to be equipped with a new range of skills each time there are changes in technology. Today, for example, it is common to send documents or letters, which were once enclosed in an envelope, via e-mail. However, some people detest e-mails as the habit of writing is hard to break; furthermore, it requires time and patience to adjust to typing. These changes in technology are met with resistance as the degree of adjustment may vary with each individual. Some people may even get turned off by one frustrating experience dealing with new technology and end up distancing themselves from any form of technology. They see technology with skepticism as it merely complicates a routine that they are comfortable with. Despite the advantages of paying the bills by transferring funds from the bank, for instance, making payments in hard cash is still the preferred choice, judging by the long queue in many establishments. It is difficult for people to embrace change when people around them are comfortable with the status quo. To sum up, people are skeptical of such change when the old methods have served just as well, if not better than the new practices.