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New technologies have always been scary. Mostly because people prefer the familiar and technological advancements bring unexpected changes into the world they worked so hard to adjust to. So it’s not surprising that some individuals reject innovations or take longer to adapt to them. Especially the older folks, whose declining cognitive and motor skills are making it even harder to keep up with modern devices.
Luckily, this doesn’t stop them from trying, often resulting in quite a few funny blunders and mishaps. Bored Panda has compiled a whole list of texting fails, hoping that it serves as a reminder to message your elders and encourage them to use technology more often. After all, practice does make perfect!
This post may include affiliate links.
#1
I Found An Old Screenshot From The First Time My Grandma Messaged Me. I Love Her
Mary Peace 1 year ago
For a first attempt, and considering you can see what she meant, there's no problem there at all.
RELATED:
#2
Thabks Dad
Don't listen to me 1 year ago
Don't ever talk to it. It tries to take over your life, in the crappiest possible way.
#3
Dammit Facebook!
It’s true that more and more people over 60 are embracing modern technology (just look at these awesome folks on this list!). 2023 statistics reveal that 80% of people over 65 own a smartphone, while in 2020, it was found that 55% of elders over 75 use the internet.
There’s also been a rise in seniors who use tablets and social media platforms. 43% of adults over 50 report getting social daily, with their most preferred way to do so being Facebook.
#5
Text To Speech Problems
Mike F 1 year ago
It would be an awesome ringtone for Elizabeth! I'm pi$$ing myself laughing at this.
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Pandamonium Pandas Pandie 1 year ago (edited)
I laughed way to hard at this with a full bladder...
#6
Woke Up This Morning With A Text From Grandma
However, despite this, the digital divide between generations still remains quite wide. Many aging individuals struggle with modern devices because they aren’t quite as senior-friendly yet.
Tiny buttons, cluttered screens, and quickly disappearing message notifications often make older adults let their hands down. In fact, 64% of people over the age of 50 believe that technology isn’t designed with their specific age group in mind.
#7
Celtic Pirate Queen 1 year ago
I worked at a silk screening company. Our head graphic artist also played in a band, called The Originals. He designed a logo they liked and we printed 50 black tees that said, "The Originials". They had been checked off by no less than 3 people and it was the first thing I noticed when he came in. Men.
#8
TheForrestGreene (he/they/it) 1 year ago
he's gonna pick them up, but he'll never let them down
#9
No
With age, a lot of adults experience a decline in brain functions like memory, attention, and processing speed. This can make learning to use modern devices more difficult, especially when they come across unfamiliar concepts and a constant flow of notifications and information. Their loss of vision, hearing, and fine motor skills also add to the difficulty of trying to grasp new technologies.
However, it’s important to not give up when faced with these challenges, as older adults who don’t know how to use technology can feel isolated and disconnected. They might miss out on calls with family or online communities that can provide them with a sense of belonging. This can further lead to loneliness, depression, and issues with physical health.
#10
A Friend Posted This
#11
Tiny Dancer 1 year ago (edited)
Had a funny exchange with my Mum the other day. Other than one picture of her and my Dad laughing their butts off at a "pot" party in the '70s, she swears she's never touched the evil weed. Until I reminded her of that house party she threw a few years back (about 10). Pretty drunk already, she sat me down and asked, "Did you bring any of that green stuff?" We then smoked a fatty and laughed our butts off together.
#12
Grandma
BrunoVI 1 year ago
I just realized that Queens sit on a throne, and the throne is Flushing. (If you're not from near enough to New York to get that, never mind.)
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The elderly who struggle with modern devices may also miss out on various opportunities like online learning, entertainment, shopping and so much more. This can hinder their personal growth and disconnect them from the world around them. They might also start losing their independence as many everyday tasks, from banking to appointments, now rely on digital devices.
#13
Coward
#14
#15
Congrats
Glix Drap 1 year ago
Be careful you don't do this whilst watching that deli scene from When Harry Met Sally.
Bouche and Audi and Shyla, Oh My! 1 year ago
I'll have what she's having.
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Jac Carr 1 year ago
I bet she's British; short for videotaped but still used when recording from TV now
Load More Replies...In addition, the inability to use modern tools may pose safety risks. If they can’t navigate online sources, they might miss important safety alerts, struggle to reach out in an emergency, or be more vulnerable to scammer attacks.
On the contrary, mastering technology helps older people to ensure their safety, keep in touch with family and friends, stay informed on the latest news, and even improve mental and physical well-being. Various games on phones and tablets can improve memory and cognition skills, while health applications in combination with smartwatches remind elders to move around every hour and record various important health metrics like heart rate, calorie intake, and sleep patterns.
#16
Man's Mother Likes To Use The Microphone Function Rather Than Typing To Text While Driving
Dragons Exist 1 year ago
Like if a Canadian and Brit raised a baby in east Texas
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veryvenasaur 1 year ago
this is me when I talk on the phone while driving. I'll say stuff like "Yeah I'll be home around 6:30 for dinner, Like f**k will you get out of the turn lane you made your bed. Anyway do you need anything from the, No I said no merging, store?"
Jac Carr 1 year ago
It doesn't really matter if it's spoken and hands free; we'd talk to passengers or sing along to the radio anyway so it's the same thing
Load More Replies... #17
My Grandma Learns To Text
Feathered Dinosaur 1 year ago
I've never seen that emoji before in my life *frantically searches phone*
Tiny Dancer 1 year ago
I want to say it's representing water polo, so give that a shot.
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Damned_Cat 1 year ago
Granny thinks the Emojis are that nice Japanese couple across the street.
#18
Thanks
To make the transition easier, older people may need help from their loved ones. The younger folks might start introducing them to technology by explaining the basics, like what apps and social media platforms are and where they can find the essentials, such as the phone book, messages, and camera. They might understand better if these concepts are compared to things they already know and use. For instance, the web page address can be comparable to a street address.
#19
Grandma Said She Was In The Middle Of The Atlantic Late Last Night With No Extra Explanation
BrunoVI 1 year ago
Can we argue about whether o degrees lattitude is truly the SOUTH Atlantic Ocean?
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Koalafied to komment 1 year ago
For messages like these, I just hope they also called their grandma and not just answered with confused messages...
Mary Peace 4 months ago
I assumed this was only posted after everything was sorted and they established grandma was fine.
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#20
Feathered Dinosaur 1 year ago (edited)
If my dad ever sent me this he'd die from shame. He's very prudish
#21
I Don't Know Grandma
Bob Brooce 1 year ago
No, Grandma just doesn't know the difference between the browser and the text app.
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Caroline Overill 1 year ago
I’m worried about Grandma. Just whose poo stains are they? Does she have a dog or a cat which would put my mind at rest somewhat?
During this, it’s important to be slow and patient and allow them to figure things out for themselves. Assure them that they aren’t going to break anything, as a lot of older people might be worried about it. While you’re at it, make sure to explain why technological literacy is important and how they can benefit from it. Don’t forget to repeat everything often and use simple language—terms like selfies or emojis might not be a part of their daily conversations yet.
#22
Can The iPad If He Uses This iPhone?
MZ (she/they/he) 1 year ago
From commenter on the original post: My guess is... The iPad returned a phone call, and the screen looked like the iPhone screen when it did. Now they can't get the phone screen back and want to know if the iPad can be used like an iPhone? Maybe? Is what they think happened?
Reviewer01 1 year ago
This is the kind of error report I get from my parents about 5 times a day. "I pressed the thing and now it won't ring like it used to, there's an American voice and it says words, how do I fix it?"
#23
Sent This To My Dad A Couple Of Years Ago. Still Makes Me Laugh
#24
Thanks Ma
Perhaps the most crucial part in all of this is teaching them about internet safety. Help them set up secure passwords and warn them not to send sensitive information to anyone they don’t know. Educate them on all the ways scammers may try to deceive them and why it’s vital not to click on suspicious links. If they need it, write everything down!
#25
Excellent Work
#26
Tucker Cahooter 1 year ago
Yes I'm sure this will be at the top of the Attorney General's list of things to investigate.
#27
Another challenge that elders might face is texting, as small keyboards on phones can be hard to master. First, try downloading a custom keyboard with bigger buttons and enlarging the size of the text as much as they require. Then comes practice. You might ask them to message you every day and give texting assignments, like writing how their day has been or what they did throughout it. With practice and help from their loved ones, elders should master technologies in no time. Oh, and make sure to explain emojis and slang so no awkward blunders happen!
#28
Koalafied to komment 1 year ago
My dad is already on his way to become exactly like this 😆 no reading-the-room-ability and my mom tries to safe the conversation and thumps him in the ribs
#29
“Go To Bed”
MZ (she/they/he) 1 year ago (edited)
Reminds me of a Reddit post i saw where OP’s brother kept texting him “hotspot on” at 4 in the morning. Thankfully this instance pictured above is just gramma/grandpa messing around with their grandchild
#30
My Grandma
Dumb teenager 1 year ago
I don’t think it’s really up to Nan if op gets themself a cocky or not
Load More Replies... #31
My Mom Replied To Her Own Text
Mary Peace 1 year ago
Sometimes I find answering my own texts is the only way to get a sensible answer!
#32
cj be like 1 year ago
Next year I want everyone to refer to April fools jokes as April Fouls, it would make that day infinitely better
#33
He's Trying
Fat Harry (Oi / You) 1 year ago
I have great respect for older people who at least *try* to adapt to modern technology. What I can't stand are those who simply steadfastly refuse to even try. Those people get left behind, but also hold the rest of us back as we're forced to keep older methods of doing things available solely for their benefit.
Load More Replies... #34
Just Can't Figure It Out
#35
My Aunt Texted Me For My Phone Number
Mary Peace 1 year ago
Please - er - send her your phone number. (Maybe she can't see it's on the phone!)
#36
Texting With Dad
#37
My Grandma’s Friend Used The Voice Text Option And Couldn’t Get It To Stop
#38
My Mother, Texting Me Sh*tty Jokes At 1 A.m, While Sat 1 Room Away From Me
#39
My Dad's Business Idea
#40
My Mom Had An Interesting Conversation With Her Friend
Mary Peace 1 year ago
It used to mean Lots of Love, and in their world it still does.
Load More Replies... #41
Friend’s Mom Is Still Learning Emojis
#42
One Of My Mom's Weekly Texts To Her It Guy (Me)
#43
Brittania Kelli 1 year ago
And the fourth message, 'Please stop contacting me now. I will contact attorney general if you do not stop.'
Load More Replies... #44
#45
Grandpa Just Learned How To Text Photos...he Still Has Some Logistics To Think Through
#46
The First Texts My Grandma Ever Sent
#47
Gran Trying Her Hand At Texting
#48
"I Promise I'll Behave Myself"
#49
The Radio Was On
#50
My Dad Tried To Use The Voice-To-Text Feature On His Phone
#51
60 Year Old Coworker Has Been Texting Me Everyday For Over A Year
#52
I Never Thought My Dad Belonged Here Until Now
David Morgan 1 year ago
This is actually quite endearing. Understanding yourself and accepting a mistake without complaining. Good for Dad.
#53
Texting My Granny Is Always An Adventure
#54
So My Dad Got His First Smartphone
#56
Birthday Text From My Mom...i’m 25
#58
My Mom Only Responds Using Speech To Text
Jenna Logan 1 year ago
My mom only uses talk to text too and never checks it before she sends it to me. It's always entertaining
#59
My Mom Sends Me Really Cryptic Texts Sometimes
Undercover 1 year ago
I think in the future everybody will die at some point, smoking or not....
#61
Mom Can Text Now
#62
Aw, Mom Is Cute And Easily Impressed. She Just Recently Learned To Text
#63
#64
My Aunt's Response To A Photo Of My Husband And Me Where I Jokongly Said We Are "Ready To Take On The Apocolypse"
#65
Gramma Is Living In 3017
Stephanie Did It 1 year ago
Good on Grandma, that's a lot more complicated than sending the emoji!
#67
Texting Dad About Lunch
#68
My Mom Has Some Trouble Reading
#69
Mom?
#70
My Grandma Texted Me This And Is Now Avoiding All My Calls
#72
I Left My Phone At My Parents House So My Mom Texted My A Picture Of My Phone Sitting On The Counter To My Phone
#73
My Dad Is Still Figuring Out Texting
Stephanie Did It 1 year ago
When he got a desktop computer in the early 2000s, my dad thought all his problems were solved with speech-to-text. He was epically wrong.
#78
I Still Have No Idea What She Ordered
#80
Got This Text From My Mom
#82
I’m Not Even Sure If She Knows What She Was Saying
#83
Texts From Mom
#87
Dad Has A Remedy To Me Walking In The Snow
Add New Image
What do you think ?
Bertha Madott 1 year ago
I am an older senior (F75). One of the huge issues for older people is eyesight. Yes technology is hard. But many people do not / cannot wear the proper glasses. Lots of times I’’m with somewhat younger people (50s or 60s) and I’m the only one who can read the small print. Like on a label. Why!?! Because I’m wearing old lady bifocals.
Jac Carr 1 year ago
There is some print I'm convinced absolutely nobody could read, like ingredients on small packets. Some text is so small it's clearly just there to satisfy the law, not to actually assist buyers. I also have to take a picture and zoom in and I wear bifocals
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WubiDubi 1 year ago
EN-US in brackets. I had a gran who text messaged (SMS) me to my landline instead of my mobile (cell). The service would then call me and a bad -then- text to speech service would read out the message. It took a while and several topics..It took years to get her to send them to the correct number.
Jac Carr 1 year ago
I took my landline number out of my dad's mobile phone for this reason but I wrote it down and taped it inside a kitchen cupboard door in case he ever actually needed it
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Zelda McLink 1 year ago
When mobile phones first had voice mail, you would talk into the phone and would receive a text with the message. When texting became popular, my dad - god bless him - would speak his message and press reply. So many blank texts!
BookFanatic 1 year ago
I am equally relieved and disappointed that none of my grandparents and neither of my parents lived long enough to see a lot of today's technology. Enjoy 'em while you have, 'em Pandas.
Koalafied to komment 1 year ago
Now I'm laughing, but 30 years from now, this will be me 😆 I just hope I will do no serious harm
Bertha Madott 1 year ago
I am an older senior (F75). One of the huge issues for older people is eyesight. Yes technology is hard. But many people do not / cannot wear the proper glasses. Lots of times I’’m with somewhat younger people (50s or 60s) and I’m the only one who can read the small print. Like on a label. Why!?! Because I’m wearing old lady bifocals.
Jac Carr 1 year ago
There is some print I'm convinced absolutely nobody could read, like ingredients on small packets. Some text is so small it's clearly just there to satisfy the law, not to actually assist buyers. I also have to take a picture and zoom in and I wear bifocals
Load More Replies... WubiDubi 1 year ago
EN-US in brackets. I had a gran who text messaged (SMS) me to my landline instead of my mobile (cell). The service would then call me and a bad -then- text to speech service would read out the message. It took a while and several topics..It took years to get her to send them to the correct number.
Jac Carr 1 year ago
I took my landline number out of my dad's mobile phone for this reason but I wrote it down and taped it inside a kitchen cupboard door in case he ever actually needed it
Load More Replies... Zelda McLink 1 year ago
When mobile phones first had voice mail, you would talk into the phone and would receive a text with the message. When texting became popular, my dad - god bless him - would speak his message and press reply. So many blank texts!
BookFanatic 1 year ago
I am equally relieved and disappointed that none of my grandparents and neither of my parents lived long enough to see a lot of today's technology. Enjoy 'em while you have, 'em Pandas.
Koalafied to komment 1 year ago
Now I'm laughing, but 30 years from now, this will be me 😆 I just hope I will do no serious harm
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