Matt Richtel takes an interesting perspective on the life of Thomas Campbell, a software developer who depends on technology for his job, communication, finances, and personal enjoyment. By taking a step by step analysis of “Mr. Campbell’s” life, Richtel effectively makes the argument that technology is invading our lives. Not only do we spend too much time on a computer, smart phone, or game system, but the use of such devices is taking away our ability to concentrate on everyday tasks, and we effectively lose our ability to multi-task. The author’s argument is particularly effective because he doesn’t make empty assertions—all of his claims are backed up by the behavior of Mr. Campbell. In addition, he includes a section detailing the possible positive effects of the transformation of our brains.
In Nicholas Carr’s article “Is Google Making Us Stupid,” Carr makes the point that “we can expect as well that the circuits woven by our use of the Net will be different from those woven by reading of books and other printed works” (25), and certainly characterizes this route as negative. Richtel similarly connects the use of technology to the human brain by pointing out technology provides a mental stimulation, “…excitement—a dopamine squirt—that researchers say can be addictive. In its absence, people feel bored” (15). Whether we are addicted to technological stimulation or not, leading researchers like Nora Volkow say that “the technology is rewiring our brains” (15). Richtel does an excellent job proving this statement through his analysis of Mr. Campbell’s life. For one, Campbell is unable to be separated from his electronic devices. It bothers him that taking the subway will temporarily restrict his connectivity to the outside world. When being monitored by RescueTime in a two and a half hour stretch, he switched rapidly between email and several other programs without even realizing it. An obvious attachment to electronics and subconscious computer activities are clear indications that Cambell’s has become “rewired” over time.
The connections that Richtel makes with “the rewiring of our brains” and Thomas Campbell’s family shows clear deterioration of what we believe family life to be. When Campbell finally pushes himself away from the computer to spend time with his children, he still seeks technological stimulation. The author illustrates Campbell sitting at the television with his son playing a video game, while his second grader looks on. In addition, his children are also addicted to electronic devices—Lily has an iPod Touch, a portable DVD player, and her own laptop, and Connor’s grades have progressively gotten worse due to his addictions to social networking and web browsing. The problem is so serious that the family now sits together at the dinner table for “study time” just to make sure the kids study.
The author also analyzes “the myth of multitasking” in his writing. He makes an interesting analogy of the brain to a control tower, and senses like sight and sound constantly “bombarding the control tower when they are stimulated” (18). Although some people can handle such “bombardment”, Richtel says that preliminary research shows that this is less than 3 percent of the population. Campbell often finds himself multitasking, however he says that it can pose problems. On one such occasion, Campbell was so bombarded by an “electronic flood” of programs on two computer screens that he missed a $1.3 million business deal email, only finding it a whole 12 days later. Personally, I am unable to multi-task. It often takes some effort to force myself to study—anything from background noise, the wrong music, or uncomfortable room temperature can deter my studies. The only time I can really multi-task effectively is when texting and watching a movie, and what kind of intellectual stimulation does that give me?
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