What does computerphobia mean?
Computerphobia is a noun meaning an intense fear of computers, particularly fear of operating them or spending time with them. The term can also describe persistent anxiety around digital technology, although technophobia is the broader expression for fear of technology as a whole. Computerphobia is often used in educational, workplace, and health-related contexts, especially when discussing programs designed to help people become more comfortable with computers. Its connotations range from ordinary nervousness to a strong, disruptive fear that leads to avoidance. Because it is less formal than terms such as “specific phobia” and is not itself a clinical diagnosis, it is best treated as a descriptive label. The word is especially useful when the focus is specifically computers rather than technology in general.
nounAn intense or persistent fear of computers, especially fear of using them or being exposed to them. It may also refer to anxiety about working with digital technology.
- Fear or intense anxiety about computers and computer use.
- Persistent aversion to working with computers or digital technology.
"His computerphobia made it difficult for him to complete even simple tasks online."
"She worked around her computerphobia by asking a colleague to handle online forms."
"The course for people with computerphobia focused on building confidence with basic software."
The plural is grammatically possible but uncommon; singular constructions are much more frequent.
"The article discussed the different computerphobias experienced by older users."
Computerphobia turns the most ordinary workplace tool into something that can provoke genuine fear and avoidance.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of computerphobia
Computerphobia is a modern compound formed from computer and the Greek-derived suffix -phobia, meaning fear of. The suffix comes from Greek phobos, “fear,” and appears in many English words describing fears or aversions. The combination became especially common in late-20th- and early-21st-century discussions of anxiety about computers and digital technology. It is closely related in meaning to technophobia, which uses another modern compound built on the same Greek element.
Related word forms
How computerphobia is actually used
Usually informal or semi-technical rather than a clinical diagnosis. It is less common than the broader term technophobia and may describe either a specific fear or more general discomfort with digital technology.
Easily confused with computerphobia
Computerphobia specifically refers to fear or anxiety about computers, whereas technophobia is a broader fear of technology and technological devices.
Computer anxiety usually describes situational discomfort or nervousness when using a computer, while computerphobia more strongly suggests a pronounced or persistent fear.