Internet Makes You Smarter or Dumber?

1444 Words6 Pages
Does the internet make you smarter or dumber? There is a complex debate over the internet and whether it is making society smarter or dumber for that matter. The debate focuses on the internet and the intellectuality of individuals and if the internet hinders or is progressing society as a whole. Some critics argue that the internet contributes to the decline of our mental state. On the other hand, others argue the internet promotes and encourages literacy. Is the collective intelligence gained by accessing and using the internet and social media making us a more intellectual society? The answer is found in many skewed viewpoints and opinions. In Nicholas Carr's article in the Wall Street Journal, "does the internet make you dumber", he makes numerous rhetorical appeals to Ethos to establish credibility or the "trust me" appeal. The Ethos appeal of this article produces an appeal towards the author by providing information the author is credible and knowledgeable. Mr. Carr identifies scientific studies suggesting this in not only his opinion, but statistically proven by evidence collected. Mr. Carr also relates to the Nobel Prize winning neuroscientist, Eric Kandel as well as Roman Philosopher Seneca. He also refers to the Cornell study and Stanford study which applies to Ethos as well as Logos. Additionally, Nicholas Carr uses rhetorical appeals to Logos or reason by referring in his article the internet to being "shallow". Mr. Carr uses this sense of reason to influence the reader by referencing several different studies completed by Cornell University as well as Stanford University supporting his article. In his article, “Does the internet make you dumber” by using emotion to make the reader believe if he or she does not agree with these statements they may be shallow or less intelligent. Mr. Carr
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