My parents use the internet, facebook, mobile phones, sound system, iPods without any problem whatsoever. They are always keen to learn about new technological advances and know what’s what in the business MashAllah.
However, my uncle (dad’s brother) is completely the opposite. He has absolutely no idea how to work a mobile phone which causes alot of problems because he works nights and travels by bus so can never be contacted if he gets into trouble. no one in his family really cares about this but it really gets me down. My dad has tried numerous times to get him to learn about these things but he says he is too old! I always say, he can’t be old enough to learn if he is still old enough to work!
Anyways, IMO it is very important to teach our parents about these things so when we eventually have our own lives they won’t feel so excluded and think they are “too old” to learn something. It is also important if you need to keep in touch with them in the future either through Skype or FB.
So, how computer literate are your parents? Do you like it? encourage them or disapprove of it?
My parents are not tech savvy at all . When I was with them , they were totally dependent on me . Now I am here , and they hardly learn how to turn on the system and get online . I totally agree with you that in today’s technological age it is inevitable .
At the most we can encourage them , per kahan suntay haan buzurgwaar .
My dad has always been in to technology etc. Since he graduated in computer sciences. He encouraged my interests in technology and IT etc. My mum on the other, was an illiterate in technology but dad and I made mum get in to it as well. Now she has a BB, uses Facebook and MSN etc from her BB, uses her netbook, can type really fast, etc etc.
My dad is really a lost cause… he basically only knows how to use a cell phone to call/answer, and knows how to turn on the computer so that he can read the news on the internet. But that is all he has managed to get a hang of. He relies too much on his secretaries at work and his 4 kids at home…
My mom is a tad bit better than my dad…we are still trying to teach her email … she doesn’t have a FB account but knows all about it… she knows how to use cells, fax machines, and perform basic functions using the computer such as paying bills and doing online shopping.
She also relies too much on my younger siblings IMO…
I am constantly telling both of them that a time is going to come where none of us are living with them and so they need to learn on their own! They say “haan haan beta …aap teekh kehti ho” … but then take no initiative . I totally agree that it is important for parents to be “technology literate”…
We will continue to encourage… hopefully they will listen one of these days…
when i moved to US (some 12 years ago), then my mom used to chat with me on IRC/MSN. At that times she did a RATTA of the steps ...
1) Turn on the power
2) login
3) connect to internet
4) open MSN ...... etc etc
aah golden days....good memories. I still have that chat logs saved .... I go through those sometimes...its SOOO cute how she used to DANTOOO me on (text) chat :)
i think people should realise that you have to be very patient with parents. They aren't as quick as us and we shouldn't use their lack of speed of learning new things to prevent us from teaching them about these things.
I just don't see in this day and age how people can survive without mobiles or internet.
Not too tech savvy, but both my parents know how to check their emails, chat on MSN, play solitaire (:D thats a favorite pastime) but no Facebook, they're just not interested in it.
My dad finally learnt how to text...wipes tear from eye it was a special day. Mum on the other hand...has to memorize our numbers cause she doesn't know how to get to her contancts on her phone.
My dad knows how to do everything but when we're there, he likes dictating his emails and stuff- he thinks its more fun that way. Mom is much more tech-savvy, she's on FB and constantly writes on my wall and then asks- woh kon hai? uss ney aisa ku kaha tumhein?
But she's sooo simple, she'll use the same speed-dial number that abbu has assigned on his cell on EVERYONE's cell. It was funny because she was trying to call home from my cell and kept 7 pressed and then asked me- why's it only typing 7?
They both know how to use their mobiles - texting, calling and the rest of it. Mom can use the internet to bank online, pay bills and even shop around. Dad can’t. Both don’t like the idea of social networking sites, let alone wanting to learn how to use them.
Dad has a twitter and facebook and knows everything there is to know about technology, honestly more than us kids.....mom on the other hand is totally the opposite she depends on us for everything, If she wants to watch something online we have to do everything for her but on the positive side she has learned that when the screen saver comes onto screen to move the mouse :) Back when I had a razor she got used to my phone and was able to use it ....now since I changed my phone to a blackberry she gets super pissed whenever she has to use it and I get lectured about hoe I picked out the worst phone ever
