Have you ever had one of those days where technology seems out to get you? You wake up to find your wifi on the fritz, again. You get in the car to head to work only to discover your phone has decided to stop charging, with 5% battery left. At the office, the network drives are down, so no one can access the files they need. By lunch, you’re about ready to throw in the towel and go home. The truth is, for all the wonders of technology, sometimes it fails us. When everything goes haywire, it’s easy to feel frustrated and disconnected. But take a deep breath – the tech issues will get resolved. In the meantime, stay calm and make the most of an analog day. Play some board games with coworkers, have an extended lunch, or just disconnect from the digital world for a few hours. While technology fails, human connection prevails.
The Inevitability of Technology Failure
Technology has become such an integral part of our lives that we often don’t realize how dependent we are on it until something fails. ###Power outages
When the power goes out, everything shuts down – from charging our phones to cooking dinner to streaming our favorite shows. Be prepared for power failures with flashlights, batteries, a generator, non-perishable food, and entertainment that doesn’t require electricity like board games, books, and card games.
Internet interruptions
We expect the internet to always be available, but internet service can go down for any number of reasons. Make sure important files are backed up in case of outages. Have phone numbers for emergency services, work, family and friends written down. Stock up on data for your phone in case your home internet goes down so you still have access to information.
Software and app issues
Technology isn’t perfect, and sometimes our favorite software, apps and services experience glitches or go down entirely. Don’t put all your eggs in one basket – use multiple options for communication, payments, entertainment, and productivity so you have backups if one fails. Stay on top of software and app updates to ensure the best functionality and security.
While technology makes our lives infinitely more convenient and connected, being over-reliant on technology means we’re often under-prepared for when our tech lets us down. Take some time to develop contingency plans and you’ll feel much more at ease the next time technology fails. With some simple preparations, you can avoid disruptions and stay productive even when your tech isn’t cooperating.
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Major Tech Fails That Caused Chaos
Major technology fails can cause some serious headaches. When our tech lets us down, it often leads to chaos, confusion and frustration. Here are a couple major fails that brought things to a grinding halt:
The AWS Outage of 2017
In February 2017, Amazon Web Services (AWS) suffered a massive outage that took down huge parts of the internet for hours. AWS hosts data and applications for thousands of major companies. The outage impacted everything from IoT devices to smart home assistants. People couldn’t control Wi-Fi enabled locks or use their Echo or Alexa devices. The culprit ended up being human error during a maintenance operation.
Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp Crash of 2019
In March 2019, Facebook and its subsidiaries Instagram and WhatsApp experienced a major crash that lasted over 24 hours. The apps and services were completely inaccessible for over a day. The outage impacted billions of users worldwide. While Facebook said it was due to a “server configuration change”, experts suspected it was likely due to an expired digital certificate. The crash ended up costing Facebook around $100 million in revenue.
When technology fails at this scale, it highlights how dependent we’ve become on a few major companies that control huge parts of the internet. It pays to diversify and not put all your digital eggs in one basket. Have backup options for communication and smart home controls in case your favorite apps or services experience a major tech fail. With more of our lives moving online, tech fails will likely only become more common and problematic. Best to be prepared.
Steps to Prepare for When Technology Fails
When technology fails, whether due to a power outage, cyberattack or solar storm, you’ll want to be prepared. Follow these steps to ensure you have what you need to get by until systems are back online.
Stock up on essential supplies.
Keep a well-stocked emergency kit with things like:
- Bottled water and non-perishable food for at least 72 hours. Things like dried goods, nuts, and protein bars are good options.
- A manual can opener
- Flashlight, extra batteries, first aid kit, medications, baby supplies, feminine hygiene products, etc.
- A battery-powered or hand crank radio
- A backup phone charger or
- Cash in small bills as ATMs and credit cards won’t work
Have an emergency plan in place.
Sit down with your family and make a plan for different scenarios like sheltering in place or evacuation. Establish meeting spots, out-of-state contacts, responsibilities, and practice/drill your plan.
Learn useful skills.
When the power is out for an extended time, basic skills like:
-First aid and CPR
-Fire safety
-Camping and survival skills
-Basic auto and home repair
-Cooking without power
come in very handy. Take a class or read books on these topics to prepare.
Stay informed.
Monitor instructions from local authorities on TV, radio, or online for updates on the situation. Follow any directions regarding evacuation, sheltering in place or other emergency measures.
Limit screen time and be patient.
To conserve phone battery, limit calling and texting. Entertainment systems won’t work so find other activities to keep you occupied like board games, books, puzzles or just enjoying conversation with others. Stay patient – systems and services will resume as soon as possible. With some preparation, you can survive a technology failure in relative comfort. Stay safe!
How to Stay Connected During Tech Outages
When technology fails for whatever reason, it’s important to have backup plans in place to stay connected. Here are some tips to keep in mind:
Use a landline
If you still have a traditional landline phone, make sure it’s set up and ready to use in an emergency. Landlines typically operate on a separate system than cell networks and broadband internet, so they often continue working when other technologies are down.
Keep a list of emergency contacts
Have a physical list of phone numbers for emergency services, utility companies, doctors, schools, work contacts, friends and family. Store copies in your emergency kit, car, work and wallet.
Have a backup charging method
Invest in a portable charger or power bank and car charger in case the power is out for an extended time. A hand crank or solar charger can also come in handy as a last resort. Keep devices like radios, flashlights, laptops and mobile phones charged and ready in case of outages.
Stay informed
Battery-powered or hand crank radios can receive local news and emergency broadcasts to keep you up to date on the situation. Follow instructions from local authorities regarding evacuation, sheltering in place or other critical information.
Connect with neighbors
Get to know your neighbors before an emergency happens. Work together as a community to check on each other, pool resources and share information during a crisis. Let neighbors know if you have any medical needs or require additional assistance in an emergency.
By preparing backup ways to communicate and stay connected when technology fails, you’ll be in a much better position to get through power outages, natural disasters and other events safely. Keep these tips in mind to ensure you have the means to call for help if needed and connect with others during a tech outage.
Bouncing Back From Technology Disruptions
Technology makes our lives easier in so many ways, but when it fails or disrupts our usual routines, it can be frustrating. Here are some tips for bouncing back when tech lets you down.
Stay calm and patient.
Take a few deep breaths and try not to panic. Most technology disruptions are temporary, even if annoying. React-ing angrily will only make the situation more stressful.
Troubleshoot the problem.
If it’s a software or network issue, restart your device or router and see if that resolves it. Check for any error messages that could point you to a solution. Search online for the specific issue and you may find an easy fix. If all else fails, you may need to contact your internet or device provider for support.
Have a backup plan.
Be prepared for technology to fail at some point. Have a contingency plan in place for critical tasks like accessing important files or communicating with others. Keep printouts of key info, set up auto-saves and backups of digital files, and know alternative ways to connect in case of network outages.
Take a break from technology.
While you’re waiting for the issue to be resolved, step away from your devices. Read a book, go outside, exercise, or engage in an activity that doesn’t require technology or connectivity. Unplugging for a while can help reduce frustration and restore a sense of control and patience.
Stay socially connected.
Call a friend or family member to chat, rather than relying on digital communication. Make plans to meet in person if possible. Maintaining human connections will help combat the isolation and annoyance you may feel when tech isn’t working properly. Focusing on relationships rather than what’s going wrong with technology will make the disruption feel less significant.
With the right mindset and strategies in place, you can stay productive and bounce back quickly when technology lets you down or disrupts your normal flow. Staying patient, troubleshooting issues, relying on backup plans, unplugging periodically, and connecting with others are all effective ways to overcome tech disruptions.
Conclusion
So there you have it, all the many ways technology can fail you when you least expect it. Whether its a power outage cutting you off from the world, a software glitch causing mayhem, or a device on the fritz at the worst possible moment, tech problems are inevitable. The moral of the story? Don’t become so dependent on technology that you can’t function when it lets you down. Have a backup plan for staying connected and getting things done. And maybe once in a while, unplug for a tech-free day and enjoy the simplicity of an analog life. You might find you don’t miss your devices as much as you thought you would. Technology may fail us, but we can choose not to fail ourselves. Stay adaptable and never stop learning – that’s the key to overcoming any tech fail that comes your way.
Ibrahim Shah is a passionate blogger with a deep interest in various subjects, including banking and Search Engine Optimization (SEO). He believes in the power of knowledge sharing and aims to provide valuable insights and tips through his blog.