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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

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    #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.

    #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

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    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

    #21

    I Don't Know Grandma

    I Don't Know Grandma

    Sue_Flay Report

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    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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    POST
    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

    #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.

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    #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....

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    #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.

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    #74

    When Grandpas Text

    When Grandpas Text

    nocuddlingallowed Report

    #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

    #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 ;)

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