I spend a lot of time dealing with technology related issues. I also spend a lot of time dealing with human related issues. With all the time I spend with both sets of issues, I can say that computer issues are easier to address. People issue often come with denial. And, although artificial intelligence may change things, there’s no way computers can deny their issues.
I’ve never sat in front of a computer and heard it say, “No, that’s not a blue screen of death. It’s just a new screen I’ve chosen. There’s no problem.” If a computer displays a blue screen of death, that means that something is terribly wrong and that a technician will have to figure out what’s wrong and whether or not he can fix it. The computer can’t claim it’s not its fault or blame another computer. It would simply display the death screen and be done with itself.
People, however, tend to deny they have any issues. In my substance abuse work, I’ve heard every kind of denial possible (and even some I would never think possible). The thing is, though, that those who use substances aren’t even the worst deniers. Often, it’s family members who deny their own issues and make treatment almost impossible. But no, even if it’s obvious that family members are part of the substance abuse issue, they’ll just blame the “addict” and remain clouded in denial.
Computers, however, don’t even try to deny an issue. For example, if my online banking service is down, the system doesn’t say, “I’m not really down; I’m just a little tired.” Now, if a system is inaccessible, there’s a bunch of places to look for the problem. But I guarantee there’s a real problem. it might be simple to solve, or it might be super complicated. Either way, though, there is a problem and someone will solve it.
I’m not suggesting computers are better than people, overall. But when it comes to expressing a problem, computers win, hands down…
