Throughout history, the way information and ideas are shared and understood has continuously changed. In our modern era, a larger portion of information is being stored and accessed digitally, which is a departure from the vast collections found in libraries. This transition has caused some individuals to contemplate the implications of this intellectual revolution. In Nicolas Carr’s article, “Is Google Making Us Stupid?”, he offers a perspective on this matter.
The author of the article has witnessed the shift from static papers to the dynamic internet. The title of the article effectively captures the attention of the audience and sparks their curiosity about Carr’s arguments. Despite the internet’s advantages for research, Carr argues that its dominance as the primary source of information has a detrimental impact on how we organize and digest information, primarily because of the internet’s chaotic and overcrowded environment.
To substantiate this claim, Carr presents perspectives from bloggers and individuals who have encountered comparable negative impacts on their information processing. He also incorporates his own thoughts, stating, “And the Internet appears to erode my ability to focus and reflect. Now, my mind anticipates receiving information in the rapid flow of fragments as the Internet offers it.” Furthermore, Carr adds further validation and credibility to his previous arguments by introducing evidence from academic sources.
According to a study conducted by University College of London, people using their research site displayed a skimming behavior. They would hop from one source to another and rarely revisit previous sources they had visited. Maryanne Wolf, a psychologist at Tufts University, explains that this behavior is a consequence of being exposed to the internet. It fundamentally alters our perception and understanding of information.
Wolf argues that when we read online, we become mere decoders of information. We lack the ability to interpret text or make meaningful mental connections that occur when we engage in deep reading without distractions. Additionally, Wolf suggests that our internet usage will lead to the formation of different neural circuits compared to those formed through reading books and printed works.
Carr acknowledges that his audience might question his points regarding the way we think and comprehend information, which he believes is hardwired into our brains. He quotes the idea that people used to believe our mental connections among billions of neurons were mostly fixed by adulthood. However, he supports his argument by citing James Olds, a neuroscience professor at George Mason University, who states that even the adult mind is highly adaptable.
Nerve cells regularly form new connections and break old ones. Olds states that the brain can adapt and change its functioning. Carr built his argument by incorporating personal commentary, including his own words and bloggers’ opinions. To establish credibility, he also presents evidence from academia. His argument suggests that the internet alters our thinking processes, particularly in adults, and these changes are feasible within the human mind.
Carr’s essay focuses on the negative effects of the internet and explores the reasons behind them. He begins by highlighting the multiple functions the internet serves in our lives, such as being a map, clock, printing press, typewriter, calculator, telephone, radio, and TV. By emphasizing its extensive use and influence, Carr asserts that the internet has the power to distract us and impair our concentration. He argues that when a medium is absorbed by the internet, it is transformed to fit its own characteristics.
Within the internet, various elements are infused such as hyperlinks, blinking ads, and other digital embellishments, altering the content of the medium. Moreover, the amalgamation of all other media it has assimilated further envelops the content. For certain individuals, this excerpt can be considered a form of enlightenment. Throughout their online experiences, they have acquired the ability to disregard the internet’s diversions and focus solely on their intended search. Consequently, this reinforces Carr’s central assertion.
In conclusion, Carr then shifts his focus to Google, the antagonist of his narrative. He highlights Google’s aspirations and objectives in its search engine and data collection techniques. Subsequently, he portrays Google in a skeptical and pessimistic way. “As we navigate through the internet at a rapid pace – clicking on multiple links and viewing numerous pages – it provides Google and other firms with more chances to gather information about us and bombard us with advertisements.”
Commercial Internet owners have a vested interest in collecting the small pieces of data that we unknowingly leave behind while browsing. The more data they gather, the better it is for them. These companies actively discourage relaxed reading and deep thinking. Their goal is to divert our attention and keep us distracted.
In his article titled “Is Google Making Us Stupid?”, Nicolas Carr aims to present a perspective on the impact and alterations that the internet has on our cognitive abilities. The catchy title effectively captivates the audience’s attention and instills curiosity about his viewpoint. Carr initiates his argument by citing instances of how the internet has adversely affected our perception of information. Moreover, he provides evidence to demonstrate that these influences are entirely plausible within the adaptable human mind. Subsequently, he shifts his focus towards explaining why the internet has this negative potential on us and portrays companies like Google in an unfavorable manner.
