Published in Computers and Human Behavior (16) 2000 pp. 31–44.
Authors: L. M. Anthony, M. C. Clarke, S. J. Anderson
University of Natal, Pietermaritzburg
Abstract
This study examined levels of technophobia in a sample of 176 South African university students enrolled in first-year computing and psychology courses. Technophobia, which is described as negative psychological reactions towards technology, was assessed using Rosen and Weil’s Measuring Technophobia instruments. The levels of technophobia were correlated with each of the five dimensions (neuroticism, extroversion, openness, agreeableness, and conscientiousness) of the NEO-Five Factor Inventory. The results indicate a positive correlation between technophobia and Neuroticism, and an inverse correlation between technophobia and Openness. Technophobia was found to be inversely correlated with computer experience, weakly correlated with age, but not associated with gender.