We all know someone who has a hard time keeping up with the fast-changing digital world. Are you wondering what to call someone who is not good with technology?
This article will introduce you to 10 different terms used to describe people who are not good with technology. We’ll look at the language and terms we use to describe people who don’t fit in with the digital age.
10 Terms for Someone Who Is Not Good With Technology
- Technophobe
- Computer illiterate
- Luddite
- Digital Novice
- Neophyte
- Technologically Inept
- Technologically Challenged
- Cyberphobic
- IT-Averse
- Technology-Averse
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Various terms can be used to describe people’s problems with technology. Some of them are positive, while others might sound a little negative.
- “Computer illiterate” is a common term for someone who lacks skills with technology.
- Try “Digital novice” or “Neophyte” to suggest a beginner status in the digital world.
- You can use terms like “Technophobe” and “Luddite” to indicate a fear or strong dislike of technology.
We have expanded on the five best synonyms for someone who is not good with technology.
Technophobe
Someone who is afraid of or doesn’t like using computers or other high-tech things is called a technophobe.
If you are a technophobe, you might feel uncomfortable or awkward around new things like laptops and smartphones. You might not use these because you are scared of making a mistake or because you don’t like how they work.
People who are afraid of technology often choose the older, simpler ways to do things because they are comfortable with them.
To learn how to use “technophobe” in a sentence, look over these examples:
“She hesitates to upgrade her phone; she’s a bit of a technophobe.“
“They avoid online banking, typical for a technophobe.“”
“Being a technophobe, she still uses a paper map.“
“Technophobes often prefer calling over texting.“
“She encourages her technophobe mother to use a tablet for video calls.“
Computer Illiterate
“Computer illiterate” means someone who doesn’t know how to use computers or know much about them. This could mean that they don’t know how to do simple things like turn on a computer, use a keyboard or mouse, open apps, or browse the web.
You may have a hard time if you don’t know how to use computers. Many everyday tasks and jobs require computer skills. If you don’t know how to use a computer, you may feel left out or overwhelmed by how quickly technology is changing.
Here are a few examples of using computer illiterate in conversation:
“They developed a software that’s user-friendly, even for the computer illiterate.“
“As someone who’s computer illiterate, he prefers to do his banking in person.“
“Being computer illiterate in today’s job market can limit career opportunities.“
“To help the computer illiterate, the community center offers free computer classes.“
“She’s not ashamed to admit she’s computer illiterate, but she’s determined to learn.“
Luddite
Luddite was first used to describe a group of people in the 1800s who were against automating factories. People who were Luddites (mostly manual laborers) were known to be strongly against any new technology that could put them out of work.
These days, this word is used to describe someone who doesn’t like modern technology like computers, tablets, the internet, and so on.
Though the word may sound uncommon, you can refer to these examples to learn how it works in a sentence:
“His Luddite beliefs make him shun e-books for paperbacks.”
“They’re self-described Luddites, preferring manual tools over electric ones.”
“He’s a bit of a Luddite; he still owns a flip phone.”
“Their Luddite stance complicates collaboration with tech-savvy coworkers.”
“He’s seen as the office Luddite since he avoids the latest software.”
Digital Novice
A “digital novice” is someone who’s new to the digital world and usually doesn’t have much experience or confidence using tech stuff.
If you’re a digital novice, you’re just beginning to learn about things like the internet, smartphones, and computers. You might not know much yet and may feel hesitant or uncertain when trying to use these new tools.
With some guidance and practice, a digital novice can get skilled at using technology.
Here are a few examples of using “digital novice” in sentences:
“Being a digital novice, she asks for help with online forms.“
“An accountant who is a digital novice might struggle with online systems.“
“They offer classes tailored for digital novices.“
“As a digital novice, understanding the latest gadget can be overwhelming.“
“She mentors digital novices to navigate the internet safely.“
Neophyte
A “neophyte” in terms of technology is someone who’s just stepping into the digital world and doesn’t have much experience with it.
Being a neophyte simply means you’re at the starting point or just kicking off your journey to understand technology. You might need a helping hand and some time to improve, but that doesn’t mean you can’t learn about these things.
Actually, being a neophyte often means you’re excited to learn new stuff, which can be a huge plus.
Here are a few examples that can explain the meaning and use of this word:
“The computer class is filled with neophytes eager to learn.“
“She’s a neophyte when it comes to social media platforms.“
“Neophytes might find the interface intuitive and easy to learn.“
“He’s a neophyte in gaming but is quickly picking up skills.“
“Despite being a neophyte, she’s making rapid progress in learning coding.“
It’s not easy for everyone to use digital tools in this tech-heavy world. Using terms like “technophobes,” “Luddites,” or “digital novices,” helps us refer to people with different levels of tech knowledge in a more polite way.
