To clarify: we're talking about being able to operate things.

If you had to choose between being banned from using any computer for the next 20 years, or being banned from operating motor vehicles for the same time period, which do you think would disrupt a typical person's life more? I mean, how would you even apply to anything other than an entry level job without being able to submit your CV online, or use a word processor? Think of all the professions you couldn't do at all: doctor, accountant, etc.

Even in places like sub-sarahan Africa, losing access to the computer-that's-a-phone would be a major impediment.

In contrast, there's lots of people who haven't driven a car in the last year that are perfectly well integrated into society.

There are also lots of people that don't use computers in the last year that are perfectly well integrated into society. I think you're overestimating the necessity of computers. I can't understand why a doctor would be required to use a computer.

I don't know about your doctor but mine uses his computer to see my medical records, including before I moved to the city. Also he prints prescriptions.

No, we're talking about being to maintain things.

If you can use your computer but don't know how to fix things when they break, then you pay someone to fix it for you. That's what this article is complaining about: people who don't know how to fix issues with their computer, or don't use it in the most 'optimal' way.