Technical Words and Menu Names on Phones and Computers Confuse People With Limited Education
Last updated
Terms like 'Cache', 'Sync', 'Hotspot', or 'Passkey' are easy for technical users but confusing for others. When people get stuck, devices can feel unforgiving instead of helpful.
Situation
A first-time user of a phone or computer meets many unfamiliar words and icons, such as Authentication, Two-Factor Authentication, Passkey, Permissions, Hamburger Menu, Status Bar, Default Apps, Sync, Factory Reset, Storage, RAM, Cache, Hotspot, VPN, Safe Mode, and Glitch.
Devices appear to be designed mainly for educated and technical users, which leaves people with little education behind. When someone makes a mistake, the device can also seem harsh and should instead encourage them to try again. People want simple words, with support for local languages and dialects, designed around how non-technical users actually think.
Who is affected
First-time smartphone and computer users, rural and low-literacy users, older adults, and non-English speakers.
How often
Described as global. This has not been measured.
Root cause
Interface wording is borrowed from technical language and is often English-first, without testing with non-technical users.
Current workaround
People ask others for help, learn by trial and error, or avoid features.
Opportunity for improvement
This friction creates opportunities for plain-word interfaces in local languages, supportive messages when users make mistakes, and testing with people who have limited education.
Friction Journal observation
A device is easier to use when its words match the way people actually speak.
About this record
Status: Initial observation. Based on lived experience, not a verified study. This record may be updated as evidence is checked.
Impact: Medium. Repeated frustration or wasted time, or serious harm that is possible but not likely.
- Sources consulted
- Personal experience as a first-time user.
- Last updated
- Cite this record
- Friction Journal. “Technical Words and Menu Names on Phones and Computers Confuse People With Limited Education.” FJ-000098. Last updated 21 October 2026. https://frictionjournal.com/frictions/fj-000098/