There is ongoing debate about how the internet impacts our intelligence, despite its convenience. The increasing use of technology has led to concerns regarding whether it enhances or diminishes our intellectual abilities. It is important to acknowledge that not all online information can be trusted and that wise utilization of the internet is crucial. Therefore, we must question whether our internet usage makes us smarter or less intelligent.
In his work, Nicholas Carr delves into the impact of the internet, with a specific focus on Google, on both society and how individuals respond to this technological advancement. From my perspective, Carr successfully conveys his arguments by utilizing personal experiences and observations of societal changes.
According to Carr (2008), the authors of each article have different assertions for their theses. Carr argues that Google is not only making us stupider but also lazier. This is evident in several points made by Carr, including the tendency for people to believe everything posted online and the focus of many search engines on subscribers and profit.
This thesis discusses the accessibility of information and its importance. The author emphasizes that before the internet became widely available, accessing information was challenging, particularly for individuals from lower social classes. To support this claim, the author states, “The Internet has never played such an extensive role in our lives or had such a significant impact on our thinking. However, there has been minimal exploration of how the internet is reshaping our minds. The ethical principles that govern the internet’s influence on intellectual thinking are still unclear.”
In general, the author provides compelling evidence and examples to support their statement that readers often only skim through one or two pages of an article or book before moving on to another site. Occasionally, they may save a lengthy article, but it is unlikely that they will return to actually read it (Carr, 2008).
Carr employs the use of logos as a rhetorical strategy in his article, illustrating the impact of the internet on our reading habits. He contends that our motivation to read or engage in any activity has decreased, accompanied by logical arguments to support his claims. Additionally, Carr presents a quote to strengthen his argument, asserting that individuals, such as students or audiences, tend to focus on one article and construct their entire research around it.
The author emphasizes the significance of reading multiple articles to form a reliable opinion. In the past, people had to invest considerable time in reading to gather information. However, nowadays many individuals only skim through snippets of articles and unquestioningly accept all claims as accurate. The text employs reader-friendly language and offers examples to reinforce its assertive statements.
Many individuals, including literature enthusiasts, have expressed similar challenges and experiences with reading. The more time they spend on the internet, the harder it becomes for them to concentrate on longer written pieces. Some of the bloggers I follow have also discussed this phenomenon. Scott Karp, a blogger specializing in online media, recently admitted that he no longer reads books. While studying literature in college, he used to devour books but now questions what has caused this transformation. He speculates that it may not only be due to seeking convenience but also a shift in his thinking pattern, leading him to primarily read online.
The text emphasizes that individuals dedicate more time to browsing the internet rather than engaging in traditional reading practices such as books or magazines. This preference stems from the internet’s vast availability of information, catering to various purposes including educational, professional, and personal pursuits.
The writers employed the appeal to logic in their discussion. This means that they relied on factual evidence and credible information to support their arguments. Many audiences require credible information and supporting evidence before forming an opinion on a given topic. These topics are challenging to address and making claims about them is difficult due to their vast nature, involving millions of people. Furthermore, these topics have the potential to impact every individual since technology plays a crucial role in our lives. We cannot imagine life without it as it enables communication with loved ones and has become increasingly important in our daily lives.
Even though this technology brings about several drawbacks, it negatively impacts the mental processes and perspectives of young individuals, influencing their thinking and perception of life. The authors acknowledge the challenging nature of addressing such subjects persuasively, which is why they employ a logical rhetorical approach. Unlike other strategies, logic is objective.
The authors of the article are greatly concerned with substantiating their claims with both examples and personal experiences. Making a claim is one thing, but providing proof is another. By doing so, audiences can determine the validity associated with these claims. The author effectively supports his points by providing scenarios, which adds a convincing and persuasive element to the article. These examples are important to conveying the message.
Carr presents supporting evidence before offering personal opinions, as mentioned earlier. One thing that I appreciate is not having to constantly search for words’ definitions when reading a long article. This is especially challenging for international students like myself. However, Carr effectively simplifies his arguments by using straightforward language.
Carr’s essay concludes with a powerful and conclusive statement, reinforcing his main points and tying everything together. Personally, I find the conclusion very persuasive. Although I was initially undecided about the argument at the start of the analysis, I now believe that the internet or technology is indeed diminishing our intelligence. Despite its convenience and access to vast knowledge, it is often misused by individuals.
Technology is predicted to continue advancing, but its importance and impact are often undervalued. Proper education on internet usage can help individuals avoid numerous issues. However, many people lack the necessary training to assess the credibility of authors or information sources, leading them to unquestionably accept everything they read. This is where significant harm arises.
Fortunately, universities make efforts to educate students about these matters. The articles not only provide essential data to support claims but also unveil the nature and credibility of each issue. These technologies can be amazing, but their true potential can only be realized when individuals have the knowledge of proper internet-based information retrieval.
