Poll: Is being technologically illiterate an issue??

[Funkyfists]

Hello smurfs,

I just asked this girl out. Everything was going great, but then she said something very unexpected... I said I'd SMS her about when we should meet and where. She replied please don't as I'm no good with the phone messaging.

Now i realize that if we were of 40 years old or so this would not be so big of an issue... But she is 17 and i am 18. Tell me escapists... Would this be a big deal for you?

 

[fenrizz]

Well, I certainly can see how this can be an issue.
But I don't think it matters, if you like her. Not caring for the newest tech (although the SMS thing is a little odd) is not really all that bad.

 

[WrongSprite]

Hello papa smurf.

No it's not, I can text O.K, but only because I'm good with tech. I rarely use my phone, so she might just be shit at it.

 

[crudus]

So? I know plenty of people that don't know how to text well. It isn't a requirement of being a teenager like sex and drinking are[footnote][/footnote]. It is just a social norm at this point. Besides, that isn't necessarily technologically illiterate; some people just aren't good with dexterous functions with their thumbs.

 

[clairedelune]

I've never heard of anyone use SMS as a replacement for the word text/message, so I can understand her confusion. But I'd still say it's definitely a plus for me if someone knows about technology/gaming.

 

[Amnestic]

Would it be a problem that I can't text a girl? No, I could just phone her, you know, like people used to back in the stone age when slaves were kept and dogs were e't.

On a larger scale, being technologically illiterate could be an issue, yes. Most every announcement to do with my uni is sent to my e-mail, all of my work, lecture notes and updates are on the uni network and every essay I submit has to be submitted both in hard copy and electronically. Without the internets, you couldn't actually work at University for my course. It's just not possible.

 

[Keepitclean]

It would be a surprise but nto a big deal. I guess you could just teach her, its not a hard skill to learn.

And hey remember this, You didnt know how to before you learned.

 

[fix-the-spade]

I don't generally use SMS, but I can when occasionally wanted or needed. If it was some advanced pointless bit of tech crap then it's fine, but mobile's have two (or three if you're posh) ways of communicating, sound and text.

Being 17 and unable to work a phone is a problem.

Having said that, it's a very minor practical problem, so it's easy to fix (and no, don't use more gun). It wouldn't be a big deal in a relationship.

 

[Keepitclean]

So? I know plenty of people that don't know how to text well. It isn't a requirement of being a teenager like sex and drinking are[footnote][/footnote]. It is just a social norm at this point. Besides, that isn't necessarily technologically illiterate; some people just aren't good with dexterous functions with their thumbs.

It only need to be sarcasm when the cops or parents turn up

 

[The Maddest March Hare]

I barely use my phone. I have a cheap thing cos a good phone is a waste in my opinion. I'm a slow texter and mainly my phone exists for short calls home and as something to use in emergencies. I hate phones that do "everything". Camera-phone? I have an SLR and a pocket digi, both higher quality than a phone. Music player? MP4 Sony Walkman. If anyone would care to explain the reasons that I'm usually considered "behind the times" for not having lower quality functions on my phone that I can do better with my existing tech, please tell me

And no, it doesn't effect my opinions of people. I'm pretty good with a computer, I'm doing ICT at degree level, so finding people with either a similar interest in/grasp of computers to me who I'm also attracted to? Too much fuss. Just accept them for who they are. So long as she can SMS back in the simplest possible way, or even just read the SMS, it's enough.

 

[Robert632]

no, especially seeing as that can be rectafied by teaching her how to work the damn thing.

 

[JRCB]

I think that might actually be a good thing. Because phones are sort of meant for, you know, calling people.

To the question, it wouldn't be that much of a deal for me (although I am a big techie).

 

[jonnybe123]

Yes it is but probably not for the same reasons as others. I want a girl to be able to be able to do at least the essentials otherwise I tend to find that they are more judgemental of people who are good with computers and technology. Its strange. When people can't use technology they consider the people who can geeks or nerds but when a girl can this stigma kinda goes.

 

[Andrecova]

It's handy to be able to communicate using technology and all, but it is by no means a requirement or that big of an issue having in count the easy and more necessary part of it can be quickly taught and learned.

 

[Funkyfists]

I wasn't going to let this affect our relationship. I guess its just that me and my friends sms all the time... As in one of my friends received over 2.5k in about two months.

But hey, i think talking on the phone is way more personal anyway.

 

[DazZ.]

Nope. If she can't text it's a plus as she can't bug you as easily when you're trying to get quality alone time.

 

[thiosk]

Actually, I'd date her BECAUSE she doesn't like messaging.

Could you imagine having a girlfriend that is constantly posting your messages on twitter?

Horrific!

 

[teisjm]

Dude, she's prolly over 70 years old, and Really REALLY [beyond capslog]REALLY[/beyond capslog] good to hide it.

But to be fair, I dislike it when chicks send like 50 SMS's a day to you, i hate sms smalltalk. I haven't used MSN for severeal years due to that as well.

 

[Gruthar]

Christ, you know, not everyone likes to neuter the English language on a tiny keyboard. That doesn't make them technologically illiterate. If this is a 'big deal' to anyone, then... well, I'm at a loss for words on that one. Silly would be an understatement.

 

[Funkyfists]

Christ, you know, not everyone likes to neuter the English language on a tiny keyboard. That doesn't make them technologically illiterate. If this is a 'big deal' to anyone, then... well, I'm at a loss for words on that one. Silly would be an understatement.

It's quite a close poll actually. I'm surprised and yet intrigued. In this day and age it seems as though what we value in one another is changing quite rapidly.