Have you ever watched a young child pick up a tablet or phone and seemingly effortlessly navigate to a game or video? It’s almost like they’re born knowing how to use these devices. While it might seem like magic, there are actually some simple principles at play that we can all learn from.

Kids today are growing up in a digital world, and they instinctively pick up on certain patterns and conventions that make using technology easier. Here are a few things they seem to grasp naturally:

-Menu Structures: Just like a restaurant menu is organized into categories (appetizers, entrees, desserts), websites, apps, and even smart TVs have menus that follow similar logical structures. Kids quickly learn to recognize common menu labels like “Settings,” “Home,” “Search” or “My Account.” Think of it like finding your way around a familiar store – you know where to find the groceries, the cleaning supplies and the checkout.

-Common Locations: Many websites and apps place important elements in predictable spots. For example, search bars are often at the top of the page, shopping carts are usually in the top right corner, and personal profiles are frequently found in a drop-down menu under a user icon. Once you know where to look, it becomes much easier to find what you need. It’s like knowing that the milk is always in the back of the grocery store.

-Effective Searching: Kids often use short, precise search terms. Instead of typing “Where can I find information about the history of cats,” they might simply type “cat history.” This helps them get relevant results quickly without wading through a lot of irrelevant information. Think of it as using keywords when looking something up in an encyclopedia.

Want to Dive Deeper? Training Your Algorithm

Many apps and streaming services use algorithms to personalize your experience. This means they learn what you like and show you more of it. Here are a few simple ways to “train” these algorithms:

-“Like” or “Favorite” Content: On platforms like YouTube or Facebook, clicking the “like” or “favorite” button tells the algorithm you enjoyed that content.

-Create Playlists or Watchlists: Organizing videos or shows into playlists tells the system what you’re interested in.

-Be Mindful of Your Viewing Habits: If you consistently watch cooking shows, the algorithm will start recommending more cooking-related content.

Learning these simple tricks can make navigating the digital world much easier and more enjoyable. It’s never too late to learn a new skill, and with a little practice, you’ll be navigating technology like a pro in no time!

If you have any questions, there are usually helpful resources online or you can ask a younger family member or friend for assistance. Many local libraries and senior centers also offer technology classes.