(This was a project from college. Re-sharing for your enjoyment. © May 2005 by David Lorimer)
Computer Psychology
by Dr. David W. Lorimer, MdUp
A normal understanding of computers
Most people view computers as
inanimate objects. Their only purpose is utilitarian - they are
simply machines that are to do what one asks them. They are a
sophisticated hunk of metal that can somehow help us though life.
Because of this, we feel no guilt when we insult or injure them. If
it is just an object, a machine, then it can be treated in any way we
please.
Broadening the perspective
Is the issue really so simple? Might
there be a little more to this? Computers are extremely complex
machines, and thus deserve more in-depth analysis.
I fear that our mass of machines has
changed our attitudes as humans. Before all these technological
gadgets came along, everything that was encountered was either alive
or completely inanimate. We talked with people, worked and played
with animals, and grew plants. On the other hand, stones, dirt, and
water were entirely inconsequential in relational aspects. Now, we
don’t know where to place these technological machines, so we have
placed them inappropriately in the middle. We view them as inanimate
objects that we can relate to. We view it as a one-way relationship,
however. We relate to the gadget, but it does not relate back.
People fight, animals kick, and plants react, but computers just sit
there, right? Wrong. We view computers as machines, inanimate
objects, and thus we justify anger frustration and violence toward
them. We would never do this with humans, however. Is there really
that much difference?
Understanding your computer’s
feelings
How does a computer react emotionally?
We can gain a lot of insight on computer psychology by relating
computers to humans. Humans have basic emotional needs for love
(attention, companionship, affection, appreciation, etc.), security,
and purpose. Humans have one thing that computers are lacking –
the ability to be a self-starter. We would all recognize that humans
are dependent on humans. In much the same way, computers are
dependent on humans. They have limited functionality on their own.
So how does your computer react when
you yell at it? What is the effect of your anger toward it?
Correcting our attitude
It is 6:00 am. Fred is soundly
sleeping. Suddenly, a shrill scream blasts through the room, and he
jumps out of bed! Realizing it is his alarm clock, his smashes down
on it with his hand. When that doesn’t work, he throws it across
the room where it breaks into pieces and dies. All the while, he is
sputtering angrily.
We have just witnessed a felony in the
view of computer psychology. From Fred’s perspective, the alarm
had just committed a high crime. But who was in the wrong?
The night before, Fred, knowing that
he had an early appointment, asked his alarm clock to wake him up at
6:00, no matter what. His alarm clock was poised like a sentry all
night long in order to fulfill his request. In the morning, it
risked its own life attempting to wake him up, just as he requested.
But Fred’s reaction was inappropriate. Instead of a violent
reaction, Fred should have politely thanked his alarm clock for such
faithful service. Without it, he would have missed his interview for
his new job.
Instead, the same procedure happens
the next night. This time, however, the alarm clock is hurt and very
sad. He wants Fred to know how much his little alarm clock is worth.
So, he decides not to wake Fred up. About 8:00, Fred soars out of
bed, shouting curses at his alarm clock. Again, Fred physically
abuses the clock, then throws it in the trash. At this point, the
psychological trauma has rendered the alarm clock ruined.
Fred, as many of us, failed to realize
the psychology behind the alarm clock’s actions. If we would
understand how these “inanimate objects” feel, we could save
ourselves a lot of heartache.
Most of us have unreasonable
expectations of our technological gadgets. We expect 100% perfect
performance from them. Many studies have shown how devastating this
attitude is toward humans. It is the same with computers. Computers
put up with an awful lot. Your computer wants your attention, it
wants your affection. It wants to know that you care about it, that
you love it, and that you’ll be there for it. It wants to feel
that it has a purpose in life.
Instead, most of us use our computers
without thanks, without commitment, and often, without permission.
We complain that it is too slow, can’t do anything right, will
never amount to anything, and that we will have to get a new one
pretty soon. All these comments are extremely damaging to the poor
computer’s self image. Soon enough, our prophesies become
self-fulfilling, and the computer reaches such a depressed state that
it can no longer function properly. Here, we often just it away,
still without any regard to its needs or feelings. Many of these
“ruined” computers have become useful members of society again
with the proper counseling. However, they retain the emotional scars
forever.
I knew man whose printer would
randomly print out sheets of paper with little hearts on them. He
was asking me what was wrong with it. What he didn’t know was that
his printer was trying to show its affection toward him. But his
reaction could have been terribly devastating to his poor printer.
He was repaying its love with, “What’s wrong with you? Can’t
you do any better?”
I encourage you to use verbal
affirmation and communication with your computer. Is it really so
weird to talk to a computer? We yell at them when we get upset. Why
not compliment them when they do well?
If we will truly think about a
computer’s feeling, it would save a lot of heartache on both sides.
We would have less “computer trouble,” which is often simply
misinterpreted emotional response. Next time you work with a
computer, think, “if this were a human, how would I act?” It
could change your whole relationship with technology.
Making the change
Your attitude that is
developed toward your electronic gadget will affect all of your life. The anger you
start your day with when you attack your alarm clock starts your day
on the wrong foot.
Put computer psychology to
work. Find the anger and bitterness that you have toward your
computer. Forgive it. It may not need forgiven, but you need
deliverance.
Try it. Tomorrow, start by thanking
your alarm clock. Your whole day will be different.
