Understanding User Perspectives: What is the Meaning of Technology Mastery?

Abstract

Technology plays an increasingly important role in our daily lives, and it is imperative to operationalize its effective use, or mastery, to enhance human-computer interactions. To better understand what it means to individuals, participants were asked about their understanding of technology mastery and their experiences with the technology they have and have not mastered. A thematic analysis revealed that participants define mastery as the knowledgeable, correct, and efficient use of technology. Participants attribute their own mastery to comfort, regular use, and efficiency with the technology. Convenience, success, and productivity emerged as motivators for participants to master technology, while poor functionality, lack of familiarity, and time demands were identified as barriers for participants to master technology. The findings from this study will inform the development of a generalizable scale for evaluating technology mastery and is a pivotal step toward establishing a comprehensive understanding of technology mastery and its societal impact.