What does computerphobic mean?
Computerphobic means having a strong fear of, aversion to, or reluctance toward computers. It can describe a person's attitude or behavior, such as avoiding digital forms, distrusting automated systems, or preferring to perform routine tasks manually. The word is especially useful when the concern is directed at computers rather than technology as a whole, although the two ideas frequently overlap. In workplace and educational contexts, computerphobic attitudes may affect willingness to use software, online communication, or new digital procedures. The term is not restricted by region and appears in both British and American English. It can be descriptive or mildly pejorative, depending on context and tone, and is often more pointed than the broader technophobic. Computerphobic combines the modern history of personal computing with the older Greek concept of phobia, meaning fear.
adjectiveHaving or showing fear of, strong aversion to, or reluctance to use computers.
- Having or showing fear of, strong aversion to, or reluctance to use computers.
"Her computerphobic attitude made her prefer to complete every spreadsheet by hand."
"A computerphobic manager refused to accept reports submitted through the new online system."
"The article considers how computerphobic attitudes can affect a person's willingness to learn new software."
Being computerphobic is not merely disliking a slow screen—it means fearing or resisting the computer itself.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of computerphobic
Computerphobic combines computer with the combining form -phobic, meaning fearful of or averse to. Computer ultimately comes through French from Latin computare, meaning to reckon or calculate, while -phobic and phobia derive from Greek phobos, meaning fear. The compound developed during the era of widespread personal computing, when computers became central to office work, communication, and daily life.
Related word forms
How computerphobic is actually used
This term is used in general, educational, and workplace contexts. It can sound informal or mildly pejorative when applied to people, and it overlaps with the broader word technophobic.
Easily confused with computerphobic
Computerphobic is an adjective describing fear or aversion to computers, whereas computerphobe is a noun for a person who has that fear or aversion.
Technophobic describes broad fear or distrust of technology, while computerphobic more specifically concerns computers.