It’s the digital age, and technology is more ubiquitous. Everywhere, from the workplace to homes and schools, tech is making it easier to accomplish tasks and improving the quality of life. With this increased application of digital technology is also the growing search for information. Unfortunately, this has also birthed many instances of misinformation.
Myths are sometimes outright falsehoods. Sometimes they are outdated facts. They are often propagated from a place of fear, paranoia, or ignorance. You might have heard some digital tech myths without realising so.
In this article, we will be busting the top nine myths about digital technology.
Myth 1: Digital experts must be proficient with every technology
The main aim of technology is to solve problems and not burden people with new knowledge irrelevant to their daily challenges or duties. Every industry and profession has technology that caters to the scope of their work. In as much as being tech savvy is a major requirement for many jobs today, you will still meet this qualification provided you keep abreast of updates to technology constantly used in your field. Identify the digital tools you need, and learn to use them with minimal supervision or assistance.
And here’s to everyone who has been sold the lie that they must learn to code to be relevant in today’s digital world—that opinion is not valid. You don’t have to learn every programming language or be on the cutting edge of every new app on the market. Instead, build on the knowledge and skills relevant to your field or the industry you aim for.
Myth 2: All technology is great
Technology is great, but not all technology is great for your business. Because of the evolving nature of technology, it is important to thoroughly consider the gains of every digital transformation you carry out in your organisation. Typically, adopting new technology can be expensive and disruptive to existing processes, especially if it is not executed expertly. This is why you need tech consultants to guide you on the right technologies to invest in.
Not every new product on the market will fit your business objectives. For example, it may not align with your financial plans or human resource strategy (always remember that technology can’t and shouldn’t replace human connections but rather be used to strengthen them). These, and many more, are things to consider before deciding what technology is excellent for your business.
Myth 3: Using the incognito mode on your browser ensures absolute data privacy
Many people on the internet believe that their online footprints are totally invisible once they “go incognito”. This thought process is dangerous because it gives a false sense of security and exposes one to digital vulnerabilities. Using the incognito mode does not mean that all you do online is private. Although this mode ensures that your browsing cookies, history, site data, and other details you enter on web forms remain unsaved, your internet service provider can, in fact, still see your online activities. So also can your school and employee (as long as they are the ones who provide the internet access). Also, all files you download from the web page and the pages you bookmark during your browsing session remain.
Myth 4: You are too random to be a cybercrime target
Maybe someone could covet your money or digital assets if you were Steve Jobs, Aliko Dangote, or even superstar musician David Adeleke. But you’re neither of these people and probably aren’t nearly as rich or influential as they are. Still, who says cyber criminals don’t target ordinary people for other reasons? So it doesn’t matter whether or not you think you have anything to lose, you must protect your personal information, especially your passwords.
Everyone, famous or not, runs the risk of identity theft. People get their private personal information (PPI) sold to criminals who go on to perpetuate acts that often land the original bearer of the identity in financial, legal, or reputational problems. So be careful what links you click and what sites you submit your personal information to.
You can improve your online security by having different passwords for your online accounts. Sure, remembering all these passwords may be difficult. You should, therefore, consider using a password manager. Regardless of size or valuation, organisations also should invest more in cybersecurity. You risk being a target as long as you exist and operate on the internet.
Myth 5: System Viruses are always conspicuous
If you don’t have good anti-virus software on your computer and think your system is doing just fine regardless, you may be wrong. Often times when people talk about the presence of a virus in a computer, they look out for elaborate signs like crossbones appearing on the screen or apparent inconveniences like disappearing files or computer glitches. While this happens in some cases, most other viruses, especially newer ones, are very subtle.
They reside in your computer while stealthily obtaining unauthorised data, connecting with other virus-infected systems to carry out the nefarious activities they have been programmed to do.
Don’t assume that your computer is fine, especially if your antivirus is not current. Consolidate your computer security today.
Myth 6: Your computer is malfunctioning because you don’t shut it down daily
If this were ever true, it would probably be in the early days of computers. Back then, users shut down their computers every day to make them last longer (because of how quickly the parts wore out). However, modern computer versions are more durable, and the old claim still circulating has become a myth.
According to a 2020 survey by Panda Security, for work computers, about 37% shut down every night, 23% never shut down, and 15% turn the machine off only if it stops working.
Computers today can typically run for years without any problems, even if you don’t shut them down completely. Therefore, doing so becomes a matter of choice for you. Do you need to carry out intensive tasks or updates? You can schedule this for midnight while you catch much-needed rest. Leaving your computer perpetually on can also give you 24/7 remote access and help your PC run its background updates. But if you are big on energy conservation or your computer has sensitive information and your network is not secure, you should probably turn your PC off at night.
We suggest, though, that you restart your system from time to time to clear the RAM and update your OS installations.
Myth 7: Phone companies slow old devices to force you to buy new ones
You’ve probably heard it, too, especially about iPhones. Maybe you’ve also begun monitoring your phone’s performance once a newer version surfaces in the market. If it appears like your current phone has suddenly become less responsive, then that is most likely cognitive bias playing out; your brain is trying to justify the earlier information it has been fed.
However, this is not to say that your phone will never age and become slower. But this happens because your mobile OS and installed apps are constantly upgraded for improved functionality and security. Meanwhile, these updates are optimised to operate on the latest hardware. So at some point, using your updated apps on your outdated devices becomes tantamount to pouring new wine into an old wineskin.
In a nutshell, phone companies are not surreptitiously tinkering with your OS to get you to buy their new releases.
Myth 8: Digitalisation will lead to mass unemployment in the near future
People-oriented individuals and organisations most often fall for this myth. Digitisation, especially in the workplace, is no threat to anyone’s source of livelihood. Instead, it is a means to remove redundancy and help people perform more efficiently. The world has constantly evolved, and technology is but one of the many aspects of this evolution.
As always, humans must learn to adapt to changing times. Adapting means learning skills and tools that are relevant today. Those who are ready to do this will have nothing to fear. What’s more, the opportunities in technology are limitless.
Myth 9: Digital transformation involves heavy purchase of digital tech assets.
Many organisations remain stuck in limbo because of the myth that significant business improvement can not take place except by acquiring pricey technological contraptions. Digital technologies are merely tools for exploiting the potential of digital innovation. Therefore, before bothering about the need to overhaul your hardware equipment or install expensive digital software, consider facilitating a change management programme that encourages a digital mindset amongst your team, gain the support of your leadership and top-level management towards your digital projects, and ensure to incorporate your digital transformation into your mission and vision. Failure to do this will cost you more than any new and cool digital tool you can acquire.
Myth 10: Charging your smartphone all night will overload the battery
We’ve heard all sorts, from phones charging up till they overheat to phone batteries catching fire. But those are isolated incidents resulting from manufacturing faults, so you have nothing to fear. Your smartphone is smart enough to protect your battery as your lithium battery stops charging once it hits 100%. To avoid hazards, however, we suggest you not place your phone under your pillow or sleep on it while it charges.
And speaking of phones and hazards, did you know you can get SOS services for your devices in case of energencies?
Check out Hidden Brains’ cutting-edge digital solutions designed to improve your global operations. We are poised to partner with you to maximise your digital investment by helping you leverage new technologies.
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