ABSTRACT

Technology is taking over all aspects of life. Yet studies have shown that up to one half the population is 'technophobic'. This means having negative opinions or being anxious about information technology like personal computers. This book examines the origins of technophobia - what it is, who has it and what causes it.
The impact of gender is examined and the social and cognitive psychological factors underlying technophobia are reviewed and combined into an overall psychological model. Techniques for reducing technophobia are discussed, and the effect of technophobia on everyone from school children to teenagers is analysed. Technophobia will be useful both for academic study of the area, and for those devising IT policy in schools, business and government.

chapter |9 pages

Introduction

chapter 1|27 pages

Technophobia

What is it? Does it exist? Who has it?

chapter 2|23 pages

Technophobia and gender

Are computers ‘boys’ toys’?

chapter 3|19 pages

Technophobia and self efficacy

Is technophobia indicative of a lack of confidence?

chapter 4|23 pages

Technophobia and cognitive style/spatial ability

Is technophobia indicative of a lack of ability?

chapter 5|21 pages

Psychological models of technophobia

Can technophobia be explained?

chapter 6|13 pages

Technophobia In education

Is technophobia becoming increasingly widespread?

chapter 7|11 pages

Technophobia in management

What is the impact of technophobia on business?

chapter 8|11 pages

Technophobia—a broader perspective

What about the future?

chapter 9|11 pages

Technophobia reduction programme

Could this be the way forward?