My parents are never happy with the fact that I'm constantly on my phone. It's been like ever since they gave me my first phone. They were used to growing up in a country where the latest technology was only accessible to those who had the money. So the transition from flip phones and beepers to laptops and smartphones was difficult for them.
Out of both of my parents, my dad gets the most excited about learning how to use his smartphone and tablets (he's starting a collection). It's been a year since he got his phone, and he still doesn't know how it functions.
Along with that, he is very invested in social media. In the past, he has asked me to help him set up YouTube, Facebook and Instagram accounts. He's since learned how to share posts, upload photos, like and comment on any post he sees on his feed. At times, I find it cute when he comments on a post I'm tagged in. Other times, I feel a little bit embarrassed (come to find out, I'm not the only that feels this way).
Meanwhile, my mom was very skeptical about transitioning into more modern technological devices. It took me about two to three years to convince her to upgrade her phone (she used a flip phone for six years).
Back when my mom had a flip phone, it took about 20 attempts for her to understand how to send a basic text message. So I already expected that it was going to be more difficult teaching her how to use her new phone. The first few days involved headaches, missed calls and struggling with a touchscreen keyboard.
Unlike my dad, she doesn't seem too concerned about joining social media at all. But ever since she upgraded her phone, she is determined to one day create a Facebook account.
Trying to teach my parents how to use technology is the most difficult thing I have ever experience. Besides the difference in ages, there is also a huge language barrier. It is very difficult for me to explain instructions in Spanish. Something that could be explained in two minutes takes about and hour.
For the most part, it is very frustrating. Honestly, I don't mind helping my parents. The only problem I have is that they use me like a customer service employee. They believe that because I know how to use any laptop, smartphone, tablet, etc.; I know how to solve every troubleshooting that occurs. So whenever I tell them that I have no clue what to do, they think it's just my way avoiding to help them. And that isn't the case.
We may get into arguments about the miscommunication the three of us share; but in the end, I will always be willing to help out my parents send a simple text message.
