Why is it the older we get, the less technically inclined we are?

And the opposite also rings true: The younger children are, the more easily they seem to grasp the concept of computers and technical devices.

And because folks around my age (34) are neither young whippersnappers nor old fogies, that puts us in a tough spot: We’re old enough to be confused by technology, but young enough that we look silly asking for help.

So, most of us do what most men do: We pretend we know what we’re doing without asking for directions — while all along deleting files, crashing hard disks and corrupting programs.

My mother has a Windows computer that she uses — oh, I’d say about four hours a day on average. Unfortunately, she has a very small comfort zone when it comes to computers — she can turn them on, she can get on the Internet, and she can turn them off. If you ask her to do anything else on a computer, steam billows from her ears and sparks fly from her forehead.

I’ve learned to not ask for much while she’s on the computer.

On the other hand, the youngsters have no problems.

My 5-year-old son, Fletcher, already knows how to open, rename and delete files on a computer and has been surfing the Web for about two years.

And although my mom won’t touch it, Fletcher already knows advanced features on the 100-button remote control for her digital converter. How do I know this? Well, I decided to click the favorites button to see if any channels had been programmed on her cable box yet. The favorites were: ToonDisney, The Cartoon Network and The Disney Channel.

So, why is there such a technology gap in ages?

Is it just the age in which we grow up?

Could you imagine if children and youngsters today had to go back to how things were when we were young?

Young children have no idea what life is like without a remote control. They sure as heck wouldn’t know how to make popcorn without a microwave and they would have no concept of what it means to wait for things to rewind.

Regardless of this technology gap, it seems we are in store for an interesting future: Us primitive older folks will be living in a world of technologically advanced youngsters.

I’m sure by the time I’m 60-years-old, we’ll have cars that drive for us, holographic TVs and mess-free Cheetos … hey, a guy can dream.

But for now, we’ll just have to stay in that comfort zone; and if we need anything else done, ask a kid.

Don Willis is managing editor for The Ironton Tribune. He can be reached at (740) 532-1445, ext. 12 or don.willis@ironton

tribune.com.