When we talk about digital skills, we often focus on the technical side: devices, apps, and accounts. But the emotional side is just as important. Many people experience shame and frustration when they struggle with technology — feelings that can block learning before it begins.
How Shame Shows Up
Avoiding technology altogether (“I don’t do computers”).
Hiding struggles from friends, family, or coworkers.
Comparing themselves negatively to younger generations.
Feeling embarrassed to ask “basic” questions.
Why It Matters
Confidence is a skill: Without it, people don’t practice enough to improve.
Social exclusion: Shame can push people out of group learning settings.
Widening the gap: Those who feel left behind often fall further behind over time.
Canadian Context
Seniors: Many report frustration with constant updates and passwords, leading to withdrawal.
Newcomers: Language and cultural barriers add to feelings of inadequacy.
Rural communities: Connectivity issues mean mistakes are magnified when access is slow or unreliable.
Equity lens: Shame disproportionately affects people already marginalized in other areas of life.
The Challenges
Fast-moving change: Even confident learners can feel left behind by constant updates.
Judgment: Tech-savvy people sometimes dismiss beginners with impatience.
Fear of mistakes: Without a safe environment to try, failure feels catastrophic.
Cycle of avoidance: Shame leads to avoidance, which deepens the gap.
The Opportunities
Normalize struggle: Public messaging that says “it’s okay not to know.”
Safe learning spaces: Environments where mistakes are expected, not punished.
Celebrate small wins: Building confidence with milestones like sending a first email or joining a video call.
Peer mentors: Learners teaching learners helps break down power imbalances.
The Bigger Picture
Digital inclusion isn’t just technical — it’s emotional. Overcoming shame and frustration is as important as teaching apps or hardware. Building confidence can transform technology from a source of fear into a tool of empowerment.
The Question
If shame keeps people from even starting, how do we design digital literacy programs that don’t just teach skills — but build confidence, dignity, and a sense of belonging in the digital world?
Shame, Frustration, and Digital Confidence
The Hidden Barrier
When we talk about digital skills, we often focus on the technical side: devices, apps, and accounts. But the emotional side is just as important. Many people experience shame and frustration when they struggle with technology — feelings that can block learning before it begins.
How Shame Shows Up
Why It Matters
Canadian Context
The Challenges
The Opportunities
The Bigger Picture
Digital inclusion isn’t just technical — it’s emotional. Overcoming shame and frustration is as important as teaching apps or hardware. Building confidence can transform technology from a source of fear into a tool of empowerment.
The Question
If shame keeps people from even starting, how do we design digital literacy programs that don’t just teach skills — but build confidence, dignity, and a sense of belonging in the digital world?