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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!

#1

I Found An Old Screenshot From The First Time My Grandma Messaged Me. I Love Her

I Found An Old Screenshot From The First Time My Grandma Messaged Me. I Love Her

Seaboats Report

#3

Dammit Facebook!

Dammit Facebook!

anonymous Report

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

Text To Speech Problems

clockerrs11 Report

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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. 

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#9

No

No

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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. 

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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. 

#12

Grandma

Grandma

ashIeykate Report

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. 

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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.

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#16

Man's Mother Likes To Use The Microphone Function Rather Than Typing To Text While Driving

Man's Mother Likes To Use The Microphone Function Rather Than Typing To Text While Driving

reddit.com Report

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

Grandma Said She Was In The Middle Of The Atlantic Late Last Night With No Extra Explanation

Adamsr71 Report

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#21

I Don't Know Grandma

I Don't Know Grandma

Sue_Flay Report

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. 

#23

Sent This To My Dad A Couple Of Years Ago. Still Makes Me Laugh

Sent This To My Dad A Couple Of Years Ago. Still Makes Me Laugh

investorman689 Report

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!

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#26

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Tucker Cahooter
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yes I'm sure this will be at the top of the Attorney General's list of things to investigate.

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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!

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#31

My Mom Replied To Her Own Text

My Mom Replied To Her Own Text

theguymanduderman Report

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Mary Peace
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Sometimes I find answering my own texts is the only way to get a sensible answer!

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#32

covenly Report

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Tempest
Community Member
1 month ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It’s an April foul, not an April Fool so you better check your car!

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#34

Just Can't Figure It Out

Just Can't Figure It Out

PenisDinklage Report

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#36

Texting With Dad

Texting With Dad

reddit.com Report

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Glix Drap
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Cutting edge meeming - I'm going to introduce those just after the daily scrum meeting.

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#37

My Grandma’s Friend Used The Voice Text Option And Couldn’t Get It To Stop

My Grandma’s Friend Used The Voice Text Option And Couldn’t Get It To Stop

genleiaorgana Report

#38

My Mother, Texting Me Sh*tty Jokes At 1 A.m, While Sat 1 Room Away From Me

My Mother, Texting Me Sh*tty Jokes At 1 A.m, While Sat 1 Room Away From Me

Djinnn14 Report

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StarCrossedFriday
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

And yet these are the moments you’ll miss most when she’s gone 😌

#39

My Dad's Business Idea

My Dad's Business Idea

SouvlakiPlaystation Report

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Kalikima
Community Member
Premium
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I figured out what he was trying to say, except "rrbieeed".. lol

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#40

My Mom Had An Interesting Conversation With Her Friend

My Mom Had An Interesting Conversation With Her Friend

Longassname Report

#41

Friend’s Mom Is Still Learning Emojis

Friend’s Mom Is Still Learning Emojis

tubbinsxd Report

#42

One Of My Mom's Weekly Texts To Her It Guy (Me)

One Of My Mom's Weekly Texts To Her It Guy (Me)

benken71 Report

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#45

Grandpa Just Learned How To Text Photos...he Still Has Some Logistics To Think Through

Grandpa Just Learned How To Text Photos...he Still Has Some Logistics To Think Through

humansof Report

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Glix Drap
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Oh, I see you got my message. When will you be over to collect your phone?

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#48

"I Promise I'll Behave Myself"

"I Promise I'll Behave Myself"

tfeller1126 Report

#50

My Dad Tried To Use The Voice-To-Text Feature On His Phone

My Dad Tried To Use The Voice-To-Text Feature On His Phone

RrustyShackleford Report

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#51

60 Year Old Coworker Has Been Texting Me Everyday For Over A Year

60 Year Old Coworker Has Been Texting Me Everyday For Over A Year

Markmyjohnson Report

#52

I Never Thought My Dad Belonged Here Until Now

I Never Thought My Dad Belonged Here Until Now

fightms Report

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David Morgan
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is actually quite endearing. Understanding yourself and accepting a mistake without complaining. Good for Dad.

#53

Texting My Granny Is Always An Adventure

Texting My Granny Is Always An Adventure

reddit.com Report

#54

So My Dad Got His First Smartphone

So My Dad Got His First Smartphone

ehaig10 Report

#55

Grandma's First Text To My Mom

Grandma's First Text To My Mom

seven-shades-of-blue Report

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#56

Birthday Text From My Mom...i’m 25

Birthday Text From My Mom...i’m 25

hinglemcringle273 Report

#57

Mom Texts

Mom Texts

cyma928 Report

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#58

My Mom Only Responds Using Speech To Text

My Mom Only Responds Using Speech To Text

fackjoley Report

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Glix Drap
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The last message was sent after the bottle of wine was consumed.

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#59

My Mom Sends Me Really Cryptic Texts Sometimes

My Mom Sends Me Really Cryptic Texts Sometimes

ranch_daddy Report

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Undercover
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I think in the future everybody will die at some point, smoking or not....

#60

When 10 Year Olds And Grandmas Text Each Other

When 10 Year Olds And Grandmas Text Each Other

susanrenee92 Report

#62

Aw, Mom Is Cute And Easily Impressed. She Just Recently Learned To Text

Aw, Mom Is Cute And Easily Impressed. She Just Recently Learned To Text

Bonobosaurus Report

#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"

My Aunt's Response To A Photo Of My Husband And Me Where I Jokongly Said We Are "Ready To Take On The Apocolypse"

gladys-the-octopus Report

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Tempest
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Instead of a normal heart emoji/gif an aunt of mine once commented a gif of a massive glittery red heart with the words “Be my Valentine” under one of my posts.

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#65

Gramma Is Living In 3017

Gramma Is Living In 3017

Brosephius12 Report

#66

Please Take Me Off Your Texas, Thanks

Please Take Me Off Your Texas, Thanks

reddit.com Report

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Savahax
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Just take him off of your texes that's not too difficult is it

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#67

Texting Dad About Lunch

Texting Dad About Lunch

cjmac216 Report

#68

My Mom Has Some Trouble Reading

My Mom Has Some Trouble Reading

computerconrad Report

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T
Community Member
Premium
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That super specific gift request is totally my mom.

#70

My Grandma Texted Me This And Is Now Avoiding All My Calls

My Grandma Texted Me This And Is Now Avoiding All My Calls

reddit.com Report

#71

Made My Grandma A Bitmoji And This Is What She Texted Her Friend

Made My Grandma A Bitmoji And This Is What She Texted Her Friend

selfdestructive1ny Report

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#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

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

niggoms Report

#73

My Dad Is Still Figuring Out Texting

My Dad Is Still Figuring Out Texting

Usedtoh8fats Report

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Stephanie Did It
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

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.

#74

When Grandpas Text

When Grandpas Text

nocuddlingallowed Report

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#76

Otherwise Known As A Phone Number?

Otherwise Known As A Phone Number?

reddit.com Report

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#77

Grandma Is Learning To Text...slowly

Grandma Is Learning To Text...slowly

HosstownRodriguez Report

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#78

I Still Have No Idea What She Ordered

I Still Have No Idea What She Ordered

sooshie Report

#79

Thanks For Clarifying Mom

Thanks For Clarifying Mom

furyroad_95 Report

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#81

Texts From My Grandma Who Just Turned 80

Texts From My Grandma Who Just Turned 80

franchtoastplz Report

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#82

I’m Not Even Sure If She Knows What She Was Saying

I’m Not Even Sure If She Knows What She Was Saying

IMYOURDAD- Report

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#83

Texts From Mom

Texts From Mom

reddit.com Report

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Glix Drap
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I said if youre thinkin', of being my brother, It don't matter if you're black or white

#84

My Dad Tried To Use The Voice-To-Text Feature On His Phone

My Dad Tried To Use The Voice-To-Text Feature On His Phone

RrustyShackleford Report

#85

My Friend's Parents Trying To Text

My Friend's Parents Trying To Text

panda_nectar Report

#86

Who Says I Am Here To Text!!

Who Says I Am Here To Text!!

Mera_star Report

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#87

Dad Has A Remedy To Me Walking In The Snow

Dad Has A Remedy To Me Walking In The Snow

Carson325 Report

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Tempest
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Looks like the grandma compiling this list accidentally put this twice on the list ;)

#88

Mom Can Text Now