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They should have basic knowledge, but they won't. The majority of people in the world can barely use computers well at all, and we need to work with this reality.

https://www.nngroup.com/articles/computer-skill-levels/



They can barely use computers because:

- computers are uselessly complex even for simple tasks

- UI changes are pushed by vendors every other year or so, despite providing zero interesting features for users

- there's no IT education, and when there is it's focused on writing a CV on Microsoft Word and sending email, nothing more

All three points could be addressed. And having a proper UX that empowers users with ease can help. I don't think all web users need to know what "URL" means or even what's http://, but they could certainly understand the difference between "location" and "search criteria" if UI was good. Even a simple help box could help: "If you know the address you're going to, type it here. Otherwise, click the search button". The kind of UX that's similar enough to phonebooks and maps so users aren't confused.


It's not remotely as simple as you make it out to be. People have spent decades trying to make this stuff easier.


I'm not saying it's simple. I'm merely pointing out that industry players have other interests at heart than those of their users. They are worried about their position and income, not about empowering people.




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