We have talked about similar concepts in the past several years at work with regards to the users we support technologically. People often refer to themselves as ‘tech savvy’, but as is pointed out here in both the article and other comments, there are differences between digital literacy and device proficiency. I know many people who are very proficient in using a specific application or performing certain tasks on their devices. However, they are not familiar with the underlying concepts and systems they are using.

We don’t all need to be experts and know or understand every little detail of the hardware, software, and networks we use today, but we all should be raising the bar on what is considered base knowledge. Sometimes I think it is a little like the average vehicle driver — you may get someone else to swap out the alternator or change the oil, but you know all your basic controls (hopefully) and why they do what they do, you understand the rules of the road, and you have some base knowledge of your vehicle to help the experts when they do work for you.

The more we understand and the less we follow something ‘by rote’ I think the more innovative we are able to be.