The Amish are a traditional Christian group that originated in Europe and settled in Pennsylvania in the 18th century. They are known for living a simple, agrarian lifestyle without modern conveniences like electricity and cars. But in today’s digital world, many wonder if the Amish use the internet and modern technology or continue to abstain.
The Amish view technology as potentially harmful to their community and values. Their Ordnung, or rules of living, limits the use of certain technologies. Different Amish groups have different standards, but in general the Amish reject television, radio, personal computers, and the internet. However, the Amish do selectively use some modern technologies if they support their work and lifestyle.
Do All Amish Reject Technology?
The Amish are not one unified group – there are many different Amish affiliations and churches that have slightly different rules and standards. But in general, most Amish groups do reject personal use of the internet and modern technologies.
The Old Order Amish, the largest and most traditional group, prohibits the use of electricity from public utility lines and therefore rejects televisions, radios, computers, and the internet in the home. So within their homes and communities, the Amish do not use computers, social media, or other conveniences of modern life.
However, the Amish do selectively use some modern technologies and even access the internet if it serves a purpose for their business and work. Some examples:
- Amish business owners may use cell phones, but keep them in their workplace, not homes.
- Some Amish use diesel generators to power equipment for their businesses.
- The Amish use modern appliances like refrigerators and stoves powered by propane gas.
- Some Amish construction crews use power tools like drills and saws that run on compressed air.
So the Amish do leverage some types of technology, within limits, if it supports their work and communities. But modern tech like computers is banned for personal use.
Exceptions Within Amish Groups
There are some exceptions among different Amish affiliations:
- The New Order Amish, a small subgroup, may permit limited telephone use in the home.
- Some Amish allow phones in a workshop or barn, but not the main house.
- The Beachy Amish-Mennonites, a less conservative group, may permit some computer or internet usage with restrictions.
So a small minority of Amish groups have relaxed rules that may allow limited technology or phones. But the vast majority of Old Order Amish still reject internet access in their homes and daily lives. The Amish community emphasizes face-to-face communication and simple living over modern technology.
Amish Use of Technology for Business
As mentioned, the Amish do leverage some modern technology if it supports their occupations and livelihoods. Some examples of Amish businesses utilizing tech:
- Amish store owners may use debit/credit card processing machines.
- Some Amish construction crews use diesel generators at job sites to power tools.
- Amish farmers may use propane-powered refrigerators to store and cool food.
- Amish publishers and writers may use computers or phones in their office.
The Amish selectively adapt technology for business purposes while still limiting its use in their personal and family lives. Some Amish business owners hire non-Amish to assist with tech needs like taking orders online, processing payments, and updating websites. Overall, the Amish strategically strike a balance of using some modern conveniences for work while restricting the influence of technology in their community. Their priority is maintaining their religious values and way of life.
Rare Internet Use by Amish
In very rare cases, some Amish may access the internet, but this is an exception. Reasons some Amish may use the internet:
- Connecting with customers for business – An Amish furniture maker receives an online order request and replies by email.
- Research to support their work – An Amish writer visits a library to research online and access information.
- Staying current on news/events – An Amish bishop may visit the home of an English (non-Amish) neighbor to browse online news sources.
But even in these instances, the usage is very limited and done away from their home. The Amish do not want internet access in their houses where it could disrupt their family life. Overall, a few Amish may utilize the internet sparingly if it supports their occupation or keeps them informed. But personal recreational use is still prohibited.
Amish Education and School Computer Use
Amish children attend their own private, one-room schoolhouses through 8th grade. Amish schools do not use technology like computers or the internet. However, in some areas, Amish teenagers may attend public high schools if local private schools are not available.
In public schools, Amish students may be exposed to some limited computer use for classroom activities and assignments. But this exposure is restricted, and when at home, Amish teens still reject technology and internet access like their parents. The Amish believe schools should reinforce their values of family, community, and practical skills over technology.
Concerns About Technology’s Influence
The Amish avoid adopting technology that could negatively impact their families and community. Some of their concerns about the internet and technology include:
- Internet addiction – Concern too much time online takes away from real life interactions.
- Outside influences – Worry the internet could expose youth to harmful media content.
- Isolation – Fear technology may replace face-to-face connections with friends/family.
- Competing priorities – Belief over reliance on tech detracts from faith, hard work, and community.
The Amish prioritize their religious values of family, simplicity, and community over convenience and entertainment. Adopting technology is avoided if it could compromise those core values. Restricting internet access aims to maintain the culture and traditions the Amish hold dear.
Amish Community Approach to Technology
Decisions about technology usage are made collectively by the Amish church leadership. Adopting a new technology requires approval from the church. This ensures new technologies don’t undermine their belief system, which has preserved Amish identity for hundreds of years.
If a new technology becomes widely adopted by mainstream society, the Amish assess how it could impact their families and values. They are especially cautious about innovations that could harm interactions between parents and children. Amish bishops may ban a new technology if the community determines it cannot be used selectively in a manner consistent with their values. This careful, collective discernment guides their relationship with technology.
Balancing Pragmatism and Principles
The Amish strive to strike a balance between pragmatic use of technology that supports their work and way of life, while still upholding their principles and protecting their culture. Their approach has been described as purposeful and selective, not an outright rejection of all modern conveniences. The key question the Amish ask is how a given technology could affect their family and faith community. If it aligns with their values, they may permit restrained usage, especially for occupational purposes. But personal entertainment and superfluous technology remain prohibited. This thoughtful adaptability has served the Amish well as society rapidly changes around them.
Conclusion
In summary, the Amish largely reject usage of the internet and modern technology in their homes and daily lives. Their Ordnung prohibits television, computers, social media, and other influences that could undermine their core values. However, they may selectively use some technologies like phones, power tools, and card processing terminals if there is a practical workplace purpose. A small minority of Amish groups do permit limited tech usage with restrictions. Overall, an Amish person may rarely use the internet for very narrow purposes like a business task or conducting research. But recreational internet browsing goes against their beliefs, and Amish youth grow up without access in their homes and schools. The Amish move slowly and carefully when evaluating technology, weighing its potential benefits against risks to their community and religious identity. This thoughtful discernment guides their distinctive relationship with technology in a modern world.