8

What is the politically correct term for someone who is not very Internet savvy?

Improve this question
2
  • 7
    *inserts joke about using Internet Explorer*
    – MrHen
    Commented Apr 11, 2011 at 22:44
  • 1
    "Luddite-American"?
    – oosterwal
    Commented Apr 12, 2011 at 13:12

8 Answers 8

Reset to default
12

Possibilities include:

  • She lives most of her life offline, only checking email once a month.
  • He isn't on the grid, so the cell is the main way to contact.
  • A proud Luddite when it comes to the Net, he doesn't own a computer and only surfs via the library.
Improve this answer
2
  • 1
    All good possibilities, but +1 for Luddite. It may be more general and often used in a derogatory way, but many are reclaiming the term and its use seems to be changing.
    – Callithumpian
    Commented Apr 11, 2011 at 21:10
  • 3
    I would say 'Luddite' is a little strong, having an overtone of being actually anti-technology rather than simply unfamiliar with it.
    – Stuart Allen
    Commented Apr 12, 2011 at 1:22
6

With all due respect, "internet-challenged" is probably as benign as it's going to get.

Improve this answer
6

Most people would say "computer illiterate" as a softer way of saying NOOB but I am so tired of that expression so I voted up Chris' answer.

Improve this answer
4

You may also say in a more general sense:

He/she is not a very technical person.

I have heard this used and I think it's specific enough to get the point across, but vague enough that it's not finger-pointing at a persons' deficiencies. It's not specific to the Internet, but these days enough people consider computers and the Internet synonymously that it's still effective.

Improve this answer
2
  • 1
    He is not technically adept.
    – Emre
    Commented Apr 11, 2011 at 21:34
  • or any similar variation... "technically-minded", "technically-apt", etc.
    – tenfour
    Commented Apr 11, 2011 at 21:37
2

I have come across the term "technophobe", but this would indicate someone who is afraid of technology more than someone who just isn't very good with it.

Improve this answer
1
  • I don't take that word literally; usually when I hear that word it's meant as someone who isn't very good at technology.
    – Lou
    Commented Jun 11, 2014 at 14:46
2

I hear the phrase "digital divide" on my local progressive radio station quite a lot. It describes a systemic, unfortunate lack of access to high tech without ascribing blame.

Improve this answer
0

"Illiterate," assuming it's clear lack of formal literacy if obviously not the case. Perhaps "deadwood" or "stuck in offline age..."

Improve this answer
0

I'd call such folk internaughts.

Improve this answer

You must log in to answer this question.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged .