Computer Psychology

(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.