Do you also feel afraid that artificial intelligence might take away your job? If so, you may be suffering from technophobia.
To understand technophobia, we first need to understand the relationship between humans and machines. Technophobia arises from the fear that machines may surpass human abilities. The first major wave of fear toward technology began during the Industrial Revolution, when new technologies entered workplaces and threatened the livelihoods of unskilled workers. To protect their jobs, workers started destroying machines in the late 1700s. In 1818, a group known as the “Luddites” went from house to house trying to stop the use of technology.
Later, events such as the use of nuclear bombs during World War II and environmental movements in the 1980s aimed at preventing pollution made people more aware of the harmful sides of technology. These experiences gradually turned some people into technology skeptics.
In general, technophobia refers to an excessive fear or dislike of any kind of technology. Currently, around 60 percent of older adults suffer from technophobia, though people of any age can experience it. Symptoms include reluctance to buy new phones or computers, hesitation in using ATM cards, and discomfort with paying bills digitally. However, experience with computers can help reduce technophobia. A country’s education system also plays an important role in influencing this fear.
There are many books and movies that explore technophobia. Notable films include Godzilla, the Star Trek franchise, The Terminator, and The Matrix. Mary Shelley’s science fiction novel Frankenstein is one of the classic examples of technophobia. In the context of Bangladesh, a television film by Mostofa Sarwar Farooki is also very popular.
There is no specific clinical test to confirm technophobia. Instead, doctors usually identify it by asking patients a series of questions. Recently, treatments such as exposure therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy have become popular in addressing this fear.
Technophobia is increasing the digital skills gap between young people and adults. It also affects the quality of life of older adults. Experts say that small and medium-sized businesses in the United Kingdom are facing losses because they cannot adapt to new technologies. In recent times, public anxiety over ChatGPT, 5G connectivity, and self-driving cars also falls under technophobia. However, it is hoped that no matter how advanced technology becomes, it will never fully replace humans. Instead, it will continue to be used to reduce human effort and improve life over time.