Overcoming Frustration With Technology

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Practical ideas for building confidence and calm when things go wrong

Technology can make life easier — until it doesn’t. Whether it’s a frozen screen, forgotten password, or confusing update, even simple tasks can cause stress.

Many people feel left behind or anxious about making mistakes, but learning technology isn’t about perfection; it’s about patience, curiosity, and small steps forward.

You don’t need to know everything — just enough to do what matters to you comfortably.

• Acknowledge that frustration is normal

  • Everyone gets stuck with technology sometimes, no matter their age or experience. Feeling angry or defeated is natural, especially if things worked fine yesterday. Remind yourself that problems are usually temporary and solvable.

• Pause before reacting

  • When technology fails, take a breath before trying again. Frustration can lead to hasty clicks that make things worse. Stepping back for a few minutes often clears the mind and helps you see the problem more calmly.

• Start with what you need most

  • Focus on a few tools that genuinely make life easier — email, video calls, online shopping, or digital photos. Ignore the rest for now. Learning one thing at a time prevents overload and builds steady confidence.

• Ask for clear, patient help

  • Most people are happy to help if you explain what’s confusing. Ask a friend, relative, or community tech volunteer to show you slowly, step by step. Take notes if that helps you remember later.

• Keep written reminders handy

  • Write down instructions or passwords in a safe place. Having notes nearby removes pressure and gives reassurance when memory slips. Everyone forgets steps sometimes — it’s not a sign of failure.

• Practise regularly in small doses

  • Confidence comes from repetition. Spend a few minutes each day trying one task rather than long, stressful sessions. Familiarity soon replaces fear.

• Be cautious, not fearful

  • It’s wise to be careful online, but too much worry can block progress. Stick to trusted websites, avoid clicking unknown links, and use strong passwords — that’s enough for most situations.

• Celebrate progress, however small

  • Each time you send a message, make a video call, or solve a problem yourself, recognise that as success. Confidence grows from small achievements, not from knowing everything at once.

• Reflection questions

  • Which parts of using technology make me most anxious or annoyed?

  • Who could I ask for calm, practical help?

  • What one skill would make life easier if I learned it well?

• If frustration turns into avoidance

  • If you find yourself giving up entirely or feeling isolated because technology feels too stressful, consider joining a digital skills group through your local library or Age UK. Supportive learning makes a big difference.

• You’re not alone

  • Many people — of all ages — struggle with modern technology. With practice, patience, and a bit of support, it becomes less a source of frustration and more a useful way to stay connected, informed, and confident in daily life.

If you’d like to explore how professional support can help with emotional wellbeing in later life, click to visit the Counselling for Older People page.