I was frightened after reading this article (I don't know if Carr intended for readers to feel that way or I'm just paranoid). Carr stated that frequent use of the internet can lead us to think differently--mostly in a negative way. Because of such brief writings posted all over the internet, it makes deep reading and thinking a struggle for most people. I've experienced nearly every symptom he describes (difficulty reading, lack of attention, etc.) but I would have never attributed it to my frequent internet use! This seems legitamite, but maybe I'm just gullible.
Look at me right now, a prime example of Carr's beliefs. As I browse through the article trying to find the best points to talk about, I become easily distracted and check my facebook. I also recall texting frequently while trying to read the essay just a few days earlier. Where has my attention gone?!?!
It is true that my generation spends a great deal of time on the internet as compared to older generations. Is it really possible that something like the internet is the reason why my mother can sit down and read for hours (she rarely uses the computer) while I willingly will not do such a thing?
I found the sections about how the internet effects cognition and neural networks fascinating. The brain's plasticity is amazing (I learned about it in AP psych)! It's awesome how our brain can adjust to changes in our environment. Some people undergo serious brain surgery and they are able to fully recover, so I suppose a subtle change such as frequent internet use could adjust the way our brain functions.
It was amusing to read the paragraphs about how clocks also changed our brains and how Socrates thought writing would ruin us all. I liked the quote, "When the mechanical clock arrived, people begain thinking of their brains as operating 'like clockwork.' Today, in the age of software, we have come to think of them operating 'like computers.'" I still can't get over the fact that these certain inventions can totally change how the human race thinks! I can't believe Socrates had such a negative opinion on the written word. The truth is that without writing, there would be no records of anything, no books, no knowledge! Writing is so vital these days...and without writing what would we do on the internet?!?
In all, I hope that the future adults of America aren't forming into computer zombies. I know I do not want to become one, yet I can't help my frequent internet use. Maybe I should end this blog and sit outside and delve into a long novel to save my soul.
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I also noticed these symptoms when I try to read long pieces of writing as well. I had never thought that they could have been a result of using the internet. I liked the point you made that we would be lost without writing and not have much to do on the internet.
ReplyDeleteI was also very scared after reading this essay. All the stuff about how our brains are changing and our attention spans are shortening made me more than a little freaked out. Carr seemed to have a very "doom and gloom" attitude when he wrote this and it kind of rubbed of on me. I feel like I need to go read a novel too!
ReplyDeleteHa, I felt similar after reading the article! I was a little nervous to use Google afterwards.
ReplyDeleteI have difficulty sitting with a book for hour after hour after hour. I can attest to the lack of attention too. Reading these articles can be tough with the internet right in front of you.
Anyway, great input on cognition and Socrates. I think it's how we rely on technology that will get us. If we can be more independent of technology, I think things would even out.