Why do you think they don't have computers in the MLP universe?

[Azureth 686]

Just curious, why do you think computers, even more archaic ones aren't around in the MLP universe? Considering they find a way to use pretty much any other object that was made for humans with opposable thumbs with their hooves I don't see that as a reason why. I can only imagine how awesome it would be seeing Twilight viewing books on a kindle-like app or Rarity using a computer to view different possible designs would be

[Techno Universal 2,575]

There probably will be in the movie or season 7. Maybe they might be futuristic computers that they find in a abandoned underground lab.

[Hazard Time 1,127]

Being the cynical person I am, I want to claim inconsistency on the part of the writers.  If they have the technology to make arcade machines, stage lights, and even complex scientific machines in Twilight's lab beneath her old tree house, why don't personal computers exist?  The best guess I can come up with is that Equestria has not seen a need for something like that, especially with how large a role magic plays in the average pony's life.

[Kyoshi Frost Wolf 40,467]

Pony technology probably develops at a drastically different rate because of possibly different sources of power. They still seem to be very much in an age of paper writing, so computers are probably a long ways off.

[Oleks 1,983]

Some time ago I came across a theory that Celestia entirely controls the technological development of Equestria and impedes the progress in some areas on purpose. That explains why some things are well-developed and other are absent whatsoever.

The reason for this: Tia may have witnessed the fall of an ancient civilization due to certain technologies and wants to protect ponies by preventing their reinvention. Or she is just a tyrant who doesn’t want the Internet to exist to control all the mail.

Surely, the theory seems far-fetched, but that’s something to think about.

[Sunny Fox 5,935]

Because Spike is a fax machine... They have magic instead of the more advanced technology.

[Luna the Great of all the Russias 2,725]

From My Little Pony: The Art of Equestria book, I remember one of the points they made about the aesthetics of MLPFIM is that, generally, they keep the setting to about early 1900s but also that they do deviate away from that sometimes.

 

That being said, however, the fact that arcade cabinets exist in Equestria does mean that computers do exist in the universe of MLPFIM. To what extent is unknown.

[cmarston1 5,954]

What technologies exist and don't exist in Equestria has always been confusing.

[Fhaolan 4,468]

If you want a head-cannon thing, most of the 'high' technology seen in the show could be built using 1960's level tech. Arcade machines, dual record players for hip hop music, etc. all existed in the 60's.

 

The closest thing to a 'personal computer' in that period were machines like the Hewlett-Packard 9100A and the Programma 101. Which just look like bulky calculators, to be honest. You didn't hook them to TV sets, they were just number crunchers. Most 'real' computers were big iron like the IBM Model 30... which looks suspiciously like one of the machines in Twilight's lab, the one she hooked Pinkie up to.

 

The big thing they seem to be missing at a core level is electric signal transmission and all the things that developed off of that technology. Telegraphs, telephones, radio, TV's, etc. Without that they're not going to create anything that resembles a modern computer. They're going to be stuck at the big iron/over sized calculator level.

[leonbrony17 1,216]

Because they should not find suddenly some funny mlp memes and start becoming obsessed with the mlp fim show. Like all of us.

Edited October 25, 2016 by leonbrony17

[GrimGrimoire 4,970]

They did have computers once upon a time. Seriously.

 

Then the internet came along... and well, Celestia found that website with her head "photo-shopped on several of the models" doing things she would prefer the citizens of Equestria not lay eyes upon.

 

So she was like "OH HELL NO!!!"

 

And BAM!!!... back to the dark ages! That is why Equestria has arcade games and motorized vehicles and not computers full of pony porn.

[El Duderino 878]

One word. Magic.

Civilizations develop new technology out of the need for it. It they have magic (which can do stuff that even our technology can't do) they wouldn't develop new technology nearly as fast. It's the same reason the wizards in Harry Potter seem to have very little modern technology. They don't need most of it.

Edited October 25, 2016 by El Duderino

[Snow Frostflame 3,567]

I'd say cause it hasn't become relevant to the plot. The MLP universe is a weird place as it has a wide variety of modern, and ancient technology depending on the plot.

[ponykittylonelygirl 73]

Because imagine how big the keyboards would have to be!!!

[zerox 1,050]

maybe because they have magic so they don't need computers? just my opinion

[RealityPublishing 323]

Personally, I believe the ponies don't have computers because of how computers are built. Computers, from the very beginning, have been design to help the human race. If a horse got up and started using a computer, they wouldn't know where to begin. Push a small button to turn on the monitor? Use your fingers to type in commands? All in all, yes, many animations show ponies slapping their hooves on a keyboard, but I believe it is both the human convenience, and overall aesthetic of the show that doesn't allow computers into Equestria. 

[Sunny Fox 5,935]

Because imagine how big the keyboards would have to be!!!

    They already have typewriters, though. 

[leonbrony17 1,216]

Because derpy did this a little to often.

[Fluttershutter 2,170]

Because nopony's invented them yet. They seem to be nearly a hundred years behind us technologically.

[Lektra Bolt 2,337]

It's not needed. They have magic. Wouldn't be surprised if the machines Pinkie was hooked up to and the arcades were magical. That's always been my head canon.......

Edited October 28, 2016 by bronislav84

[Steve Piranha 29,140]

Just curious, why do you think computers, even more archaic ones aren't around in the MLP universe? Considering they find a way to use pretty much any other object that was made for humans with opposable thumbs with their hooves I don't see that as a reason why. I can only imagine how awesome it would be seeing Twilight viewing books on a kindle-like app or Rarity using a computer to view different possible designs would be

Because Equestria's technology is stuck to the early 90's save the occasional joke, AND 2 key examples:

1-Doc Hooves mentioned that ponies' reliance in magic caused a low technological development in Slice of Life

2-Twilight, FUCKING TWILIGHT, didn't figured out how to use basic technological machines in EG, namely, a printer, and a computer itself

[Luminance 2,182]

Computers aren't that magical as it seems.

[Hocus Pocus 636]

Well, we do see that arcade games exist with button mash, and then there's also the matter of the computer Twilight hooked Pinkie Pie up to when she was trying to find proof of what the pinkie sense was. but perhaps they run off of magic rather than electricity.

 

Still that would have to mean that there's SOME level of computing technology there, I guess it's just not really main stream due to the easy access of magic.

[RivkaBobble 110]

I believe its because the ponies are notably farther back in technology than we are. Disregarding Doctor Hooves and his lab, we can tell that ponies aren't so technologically advanced. For example:

 

- They still use parchment, ink and quills,

- The royal ponies are still notably present. For example, in our world, the Queen of England is really just for symbolism and culture.

- Houses are made of wood and straw.

 

I believe that the ponies still have a ways to go until they're advanced enough to have computers and other technology

[Ganondorf8 11,141]

Having computers would make looking up research a whole lot easier, but then that would make books obselete because you could find the information online without needing the book. Outside of research, having computers would make Equestria more connected.