Today's reading assignment addressed topics that most people rarely think about; especially the article by Nicholas Carr titled "Is Google Making Us Stupid?". In the midst of the recent technological revolution, Carr entertains the negative effects that the internet might have on our reading and writing abilities. Using historical evidence, he states that reading and writing are unnatural things to humans. He says, "(reading) is not an instinctive skill for human beings. It's not etched in our genes the way speech is" (Carr 25). He then goes on to assert that because our new style of reading is focused on efficiency and speed, it is making people non-attentive and in a way, less intelligent.
This article made me think about my own habits. College students spend so much time texting and jumping from web page to web page that it must have definitive negative effects on our ability to process information and make thorough arguments. Although it gives us an aptitude for more efficient research, it also must take away from patience (which they say is a virtue). Although I do not believe new technology will lower the intelligence of our generation, it will definitely transform the way we think and make us that much different from previous generations.
I agree that many people these days are looking to be more efficient in research by quickly scanning articles looking for specific information. That was a good point when saying that technology won't lower one's intelligence but change the way we think because we are still intaking quality information, just in a different format. Carr is also concerned about deep contemplation, and I think that relates to your point that this quick scanning hinders are ability to make good thorough arguments.
ReplyDeleteWhile I do admit that I have a hard time reading certain things, I do enjoy reading in general even though it "is not an instinctive skill for human beings." By saying this I mean that if I find the subject interesting I am more likely to enjoy reading it than being forced to read something for a class, etc. that I might not find intriguing. I agree that technology does take away from patience and, like you, I do not think that new technology will lower our intelligence in any way.
ReplyDeleteI would also like to note that I was not distracted by anything else while commenting on your post. (not that you would care, but simply referencing for the article's sake)
Your comment about patience and technology is very insightful because I noticed too that now I have become very impatient. Especially with reading long amounts of text even ones that I am interested in. And your last sentence I think is right on the spot. I definitely agree that technology won't make our generation less intelligent but it will make us infinitely different from previous ones.
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