The Amish have Computers. And They're Weird.
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The video introduces a nuanced view of Amish technology adoption, highlighting that Amish communities do not reject technology outright but practice a mindful, gradual approach guided by simplicity and practicality. It explains that technology use varies by community, with some allowing computers and even cell phones as long as devices stay outside the home and are not flaunted, and decisions are made through community voting. The narrative traces the timeline from early agricultural tools to the mid-1970s mass-market computers, focusing on the shift from stand-alone word processors to more capable devices that could handle modest office work and basic entertainment. A key pivot is the creation of a purpose-built Amish computer by Alan Hoover, designed to avoid unnecessary features and to function in a way that aligns with Amish values, such as limited connectivity and durability. The description of the 2005 Classic word processor emphasizes a battery-powered device with a color display, USB ports, and optional peripherals, intentionally stripped of internet access, games, and multimedia to maintain focus on work tasks. It also notes how modern Amish businesses increasingly rely on carefully moderated online interactions, such as email-to-print services and controlled faxes, illustrating a pragmatic integration of the internet into commerce without eroding community norms. Overall, the piece frames Amish technology as a targeted tool for practical needs, not as a symbol of modernity, and showcases products that prioritize reliability, trust, and compliance with Bishops’ guidance. The concluding segment invites viewers to reflect on everyday technologies they would be willing to live without, prompting a broader consideration of tech choices in daily life.
Topics · technology · culture · society · education · history
Questions answered
- Do Amish communities allow computers and internet access, and under what conditions?
- Yes, some Amish communities allow computers and even limited internet access, but typically with strong restrictions such as keeping devices outside the home, using them for specific work purposes, and adhering to community rules guided by bishops.
- What is the Classic word processor mentioned in the video, and what are its key features?
- The Classic word processor is a 2005 Plain people device designed without a modem or outside connectivity, with a built-in keyboard, a fold-down color screen, USB ports, and compatibility with basic office software, but no games or multimedia.
- How do Amish businesses handle email and online communication without full internet access?
- Some Amish businesses use PC-free email services that print emails for physical distribution via fax, and they may fax responses back or use limited online search for essential tasks, maintaining controlled and purposeful use of connectivity.