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

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

8 Answers 8

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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.
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    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
    Apr 11, 2011 at 21:10
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    I would say 'Luddite' is a little strong, having an overtone of being actually anti-technology rather than simply unfamiliar with it.
    – Stuart Allen
    Apr 12, 2011 at 1:22
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With all due respect, "internet-challenged" is probably as benign as it's going to get.

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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.

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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.

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

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  • 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
    Jun 11, 2014 at 14:46
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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.

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

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I'd call such folk internaughts.

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