Existential Computer Anxiety and Changes in Computer Technology: What Past Research on Computer Anxiety Has Missed

Abstract

In this article we propose that the existing literature on computer anxiety has neglected to consider two issues: 1) that there is an existential element to computer anxiety, and 2) that computer technology has undergone historical changes that bring with them subsequent changes in the metaphors we use to understand computers. Failure to consider these two issues has resulted in a vast body of literature that is inconsistent and ultimately of little practical or theoretical value. We discuss some of the problems in the literature that defines, develops measurement instruments for, posits correlates of, and attempts to “cure” computer anxiety and explain how attention to the two issues described above could mitigate some of these problems. Finally, we suggest ways in which attention to these two issues could help in the development of a meaningful theory to support investigation into computer anxiety.