by Renee P. Aldrich
For New Pittsburgh Courier
Do you have an understanding of the following terms: gigabyte, hard drive, download, cursor, thumb drive, software, Microsoft, disk drive, Excel, PowerPoint, memory? Do you know what it is to cut and paste? Can you transfer a file? Do you have an email address?
These are all terms that I would put on a test if I were trying to determine your technological acumen or how much you know about the living land of computers and the mystical world of the Internet. One would think that at this time in 2026, we would all be up to speed on the use of computers, and be savvy on sending and receiving emails.
Truth is, many of us seniors are not. There are many reasons for this, some are institutional and others are individual. There is the flat out intimidation, and the belief that learning about technology is far too complicated and true knowledge is unattainable. There are those of us who fear that they can do something that will break the computer, but short of pouring water in it or throwing it out of a window, breaking a computer is not very easy. Whatever the reason, it is essential that we drop our fears, lose the intimidation and embrace this tool that can ultimately serve us in a positive way.
Back in 2008, Donna Baxter-Porcher, the CEO of Soul Pitt Media, and her business partner, Kirsten Womack, ran a web-based business called “2 Tech Divas.” Their business specialized in helping small- and women-owned businesses harness the power of the Internet. Donna, a former rapper, coined the phrase, “Get online or get left behind.” Here we are in 2026 and those words hold just as much relevance today as they did back then. “The message I was sending at that time still remains today—it may be even more important because of the speed with which technology is expanding,” she said.
Jumping on the digital highway is becoming more essential in every way of life. And AI is an entirely different level of technical advancement.
Technology is a phenomenon that society cannot get away from, but is continuing to show up in places that we need to access. Along with devices like smartphones, tablets and laptops, there are watches on which you can answer your phone and keep up with your heartbeat, steps, and blood pressure. Additionally, there is an app for everything from weight loss to cooking to looking for love. Unfortunately though, unfamiliarity creates more angst.
When you think of access, applying for jobs, getting health care information, making hotel and/or plane and car rental reservations at this juncture, these all require computer literacy.
For Gen Z’ers and Millennials, the matters of technology are second nature. Why? Because the past two generations (including my 8-year-old grandson’s generation) have never lived without technology and literally grew up with digital tools. On the other hand, us Baby Boomers and Generation X’ers did not. We were late to the technology party, thus creating a steep learning curve.
The following are some areas that build the barriers and keep seniors from embracing technology as much as youngers.
1. Frequent updates and new platforms can feel overwhelming and frustrating; remember life before Facebook, it was Myspace. Remember when iPhone 7 and 8 were the top dog; we are now at the iPhone 17.
2. Anxiety or fear of “doing something wrong,” being scammed or therefore choosing avoidance of technology altogether.
3. The feeling of being ostracized from family communication (group chats, social media) often leaves us feeling left out of cultural conversations and trends, thereby being dependent on others for basic digital interactions.
How then do we begin to address what feels like a bottomless pit of ever-increasing challenges for seniors in this expanding age of technology? It seems a good start would be for families with seniors who struggle with technical skills can help their elders who are seriously interested in getting better…without judgement or impatience, begin to slowly indoctrinate them to using the Internet.
Recognize that learning tech is actually like learning a new language and requires practice and sometimes repeating oneself to get the message over. Also, validate seniors’ feelings instead of minimizing them. Show them the relevancy of technology and connect its use to what matters to them, such as video calls with grandchildren and exchanging photos as grands are growing.
Also, seniors can watch church services online, keeping in mind that even churches are no longer simply “passing the plate,” they offer four ways to pay (Zelle, Paypal, Cashapp and Givelify). I am not sure what my dearly departed mother would do with any of these.
The IT industry can do its part as well by incorporating simpler user interfaces; making it standard to use larger text options and accessibility features; and provide clearer instructions and customer support. Technology should adapt to people—not the other way around.
We are all in this together, and regardless of the generation, we all need each other. Technology should connect generations—not divide them.
When we intentionally work together, seniors regain confidence and independence, and younger generations gain patience, empathy and wisdom. Bridging the digital divide is not just about devices—it’s about dignity, inclusion and community.
