It’s probably been going on since children in ancient Mesopotamia marveled that their parents couldn’t get the hang of this newfangled invention called the “wheel.” Parents struggle to keep up with tech, while their kids struggle to keep a straight face.
What’s different in the modern era? The way the travails of technology can be documented so richly, thanks to screen-grabbing, smartphone-camera-toting, online-commiserating offspring.
But don’t be too smug: After all, these are the people who taught you how to eat with a fork.
Want to bring your parents up to speed, tech wise? Here's a handy guide on how to have "the talk" with them.
Conspiracies everywhere - If the technology doesn't work, it's the kids' fault...or maybe foreign-government hackers.
Have you ever seen a more flawless example of parents trying to use technology pic.twitter.com/TF8x9RuO6F
— emily (@emilysminton) April 10, 2017
You gotta admire 'em - Even online, they're still figuring out ways to embarrass you in public.
Technology and parents don't mix. Face timed my rents but my dad streamed the whole conversation live on his Facebook by accident pic.twitter.com/mzZtd5xadZ
— Smartt, Liam (@LiamClever) June 12, 2017
But if I push it, it might explode - Sometimes the simplest hurdles are the hardest to get over.
Love parents and technology, some of the time pic.twitter.com/Atm9porYBg
— Ronan Fitzgerald (@rmkf) May 20, 2017
Wait, wait don't tell me - Next, the phone call asking how to unlock it.
i love parents and technology pic.twitter.com/46b5JiAaxh
— gabriella barbosa (@gabsbarbosaaaa) March 20, 2017
Why is my computer so slow - Even parents are tempted to do things they'll regret later.
Fixing the internet - Yup, your mom raised a genius.
when your mom asks you to fix the internet so you unplug the router and plug it back in pic.twitter.com/pvQY95Sd2z
— young han solo (@dylanvlexander) June 11, 2017
Aw, you shouldn't have - You're an adult now, but they're still teaching you how to share.
Another edition of 'Parents Asking Questions About Technology' brought to you by my mom pic.twitter.com/K7r5yMfQYc
— Andrew Pugliese (@andrewpug) February 16, 2017
But an A for effort - Admit it, you're proud they got it to work.
Facetime with mum and dad. It was nice to see... the tops of their heads at least #technology#whoops#camerafail#parentspic.twitter.com/jQQpZsCuLG
— Rosie Snooper (@rosie_snooper) April 25, 2017
Missing the obvious - Sometime the solutions to life's greatest mysteries is just behind the router.
I know it's here somewhere - When searching for that email you sent gives them flashbacks to your room in high school.
You're a wiz, kid - They never have to know the truth.
Parental tech support axiom #237 - Your level of frustration is exceeded only by their ability to put you in your place.
before you get frustrated with having to teach technology to your parents just remember..... pic.twitter.com/hpFiUBRiC5
— elise bamburg (@elise_denae) February 16, 2017
At ESET, protecting technology users of all generations against malware and security threats is a serious business. But these foibles and miscues remind us why we do what we do: to help everyone enjoy safer technology.
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