I am writing this post for two reasons: to get the word out about a rapidly spreading problem, and to solicit support for it. Or, more accurately, for myself. I have been diagnosed with a syndrome called BTK, or Bad Technological Karma. It is not, the experts believe, a serious condition, but it does make navigating everyday tasks quite difficult, and the more advanced our society becomes, the worse the affliction.
You may have had a hint here and there that you yourself suffer from this malady, but have been in denial. BTK starts slowly, and then seeps into every aspect of life. Let me describe the symptoms for you, so that you can see if you fit the profile, and I can find some company in my misery.
But first, some history. The genesis of BTK can be found back in the mists of time, with the VCR and its incomprehensible requirements for programming. VCR brain freeze hit epidemic proportions in this country, but that somewhat minor ailment has mutated, as do many viruses, into something resembling catatonia. This state is induced when one is trying to figure out how to use operate the multiple entertainment objects in the home. Some researchers have attempted to address the ailment by designing a one-size-fits-all remote control, but that device is doubly sinister in its opacity and only serves to exacerbate the condition.
Since time immemorial, or at least since the advent of the personal computer, there have always been computer hardware issues and software concerns: regarding the former, unpredictable freezing and crashing; on the software side, word processing that won’t search, random fonts appearing uncalled for in documents, and …
The disorder continues to spread, however, and it has now affected every aspect of our electronic life. I’m talking about the watch battery that runs out every six months. The microwave oven that sparks and dies. The cordless phone that only works when it feels like it. The car’s keyless entry fob that separates from the ring and disappears, rendering the automobile useless.
If you find that your electronic devices begin to display obstreperous behavior, it may be that you are the cause. You may be suffering from Bad Technological Karma. I would suggest an online support group, but knowing our affliction, it probably wouldn’t work.
You are way more advanced than I am….turning on the television ( using 3 different remote control contraptions) is too daunting for me!
Actually, at one point I had Joel write the instructions for a TV on a notebook so that I could follow them each and every time I wanted to watch a movie!
I consider myself very computer literate but I have a Sony contraption the is supposed to copy VHS tapes onto a DVD and I just can’t figure out how to make it do that and it frustrates me very much.
At last. A name for my condition. I have to continually ask my grandson how to use the remote on their TV. He is seven and can probably program a computer faster then I can switch from watching a DVD to channel four. I now own a smart phone. Big mistake. There is not one thing smart about reading or writing words that would fit on the head of a pin. I want my big black rotary dial phone back.
Perhaps we should submit this syndrome to some medical journal. After all, they publish articles about things like pinball players’ wrist.
I’m with you!! I am in technological overload and wishing for “the old days.” Am still a Facebook hold out, even if it means that I can’t keep in better touch with my 16-year-old granddaughter! At least I have learned to text! Tweets! Hash tags! Yikes!