Magic Box Theory
The idea that certain devices or contraptions are inherently "magic" in some way and mere mortals are incapable of understanding their inner-workings. Some devices subject to "
magic box theory" are (but are not limited to) computers, car engines/transmissions, microwaves, televisions, radios, calculators, etc.Believers of the magic box theory are easily singled out by judging the reaction after giving them a
simple request such as "open your hood" or "open the side of your computer".A commonly held belief among
Magic Box Theorists is that these devices have a will of their own with some sort of propensity toward a specific behavior. They can be heard stating that their "computer is acting funny" or that their "car is behaving differently", completely oblivious to the fact that computers and cars do not behave, they are behaved upon.