Is Technology More Complicated In North Dakota?

In the past, I regarded myself as fairly knowledgeable about electronics. I could set up a VCR without the manual (a lost art, really) and troubleshoot a dial-up internet connection like a pro. I helped both my parents with their cell phones and am still pretty good at using a microwave. But over the last five years or so, I’ve found myself spending more and more time on the phone with technical support. And let’s be honest—sometimes, I don’t even understand the question they’re asking me!

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It turns out I’m not alone. Liquid Web recently put out a report, which looked at Google search trends and surveyed 1,000 IT professionals, that tech support struggles vary by state. Some states are busy figuring out how to fix their routers, while others are just trying to figure out why their phone batteries won’t last past lunchtime.

And here’s where it gets even better: Wyoming, Vermont, and North Dakota lead the nation in tech support searches per capita. That’s right—we North Dakotans aren’t just battling the elements; we’re also fighting our gadgets. I am smiling more now because we are all in the same boat.

Here’s a peek at what our neighbors are struggling with:

• Minnesota – "Why is my phone battery draining so fast?" (Maybe it’s because they’re scrolling through 10,000 pictures of snow-covered lakes.)
• South Dakota – "How do I reset my router?" (Possibly after a power outage, which happens roughly every time the wind picks up.)
• Montana – "How do I back up my phone data?" (Probably worried their Yellowstone vacation pics will disappear.)
• North Dakota – "How do I set up 2-Factor Authentication?" (Because we like to keep things secure… or we forgot our passwords one too many times.)

So if you find yourself struggling with all this new technology, don’t fight it. Take a deep breath, find the tech support number, and just call them. You might end up on hold for a while, but at least you won’t be alone in your battle against the machines.