Years ago we had Norton as our defence. But it was such a disaster! And when you purchase any computer the supplier has preloaded programmes you don't want!
However, I do agree that smart technology has many uses which are always limited by humans for many reasons. Smartphones did not enable me to be informed when my brother was hospitalised with a major heart attack. Stress etc was later claimed. So, for 4 days I was left in the dark.
But, a spreadsheet properly set up can enable you to spot when someone is trying to sell you a 'version' of the truth. (Especially when it is balanced back to zero!)
So, yes, there may be gains. But not when AI gives you garbage.
We no longer use Google to find information since AI simply wastes one's time with absolute nonsense (the GIGO rule).
Now with computers and smartphones apparently so vulnerable to any malcontent it seems a complete waste of time to use any item relying on digital technology that my family are now disconnecting themselves from all the brutality, lies, scams, and threats that seem so pervasive.
Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts. Your frustration is completely understandable, and you’re certainly not alone in feeling this way. The digital world has become noisier, riskier, and more exhausting than it used to be.
That said, I’d gently offer that there may be a middle ground between full immersion and complete disconnection. The risks are real, but so are the practical benefits many people, especially older adults, rely on daily: staying in touch with family, accessing medical information, managing finances, and calling for help in an emergency.
The goal of articles like this one is really to help people use technology on their own terms, with enough knowledge to avoid the worst pitfalls. A well-secured smartphone, used thoughtfully, can be a genuinely useful tool without exposing you to constant threats.
Security isn’t about being fearless. It’s about being informed enough to feel confident. I hope some of the tips here at least make that feel a little more achievable, even if stepping back for a while is what feels right for your family right now.
Years ago we had Norton as our defence. But it was such a disaster! And when you purchase any computer the supplier has preloaded programmes you don't want!
However, I do agree that smart technology has many uses which are always limited by humans for many reasons. Smartphones did not enable me to be informed when my brother was hospitalised with a major heart attack. Stress etc was later claimed. So, for 4 days I was left in the dark.
But, a spreadsheet properly set up can enable you to spot when someone is trying to sell you a 'version' of the truth. (Especially when it is balanced back to zero!)
So, yes, there may be gains. But not when AI gives you garbage.
I actually wrote a book about that 😉
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GQNRKR8X?dplnkId=05309151-25ed-4950-9cb7-756bd1b0c0e3&nodl=1
Thank you for your ideas on Internet security.
We no longer use Google to find information since AI simply wastes one's time with absolute nonsense (the GIGO rule).
Now with computers and smartphones apparently so vulnerable to any malcontent it seems a complete waste of time to use any item relying on digital technology that my family are now disconnecting themselves from all the brutality, lies, scams, and threats that seem so pervasive.
Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts. Your frustration is completely understandable, and you’re certainly not alone in feeling this way. The digital world has become noisier, riskier, and more exhausting than it used to be.
That said, I’d gently offer that there may be a middle ground between full immersion and complete disconnection. The risks are real, but so are the practical benefits many people, especially older adults, rely on daily: staying in touch with family, accessing medical information, managing finances, and calling for help in an emergency.
The goal of articles like this one is really to help people use technology on their own terms, with enough knowledge to avoid the worst pitfalls. A well-secured smartphone, used thoughtfully, can be a genuinely useful tool without exposing you to constant threats.
Security isn’t about being fearless. It’s about being informed enough to feel confident. I hope some of the tips here at least make that feel a little more achievable, even if stepping back for a while is what feels right for your family right now.