Does the Internet Make You Dumber Response

718 Words3 Pages
In his article, “Does the Internet Make You Dumber?” Nicholas Carr introduces the idea that multitasking could very well be changing the way our brains work. He does this in the context that constant distractions and interruptions are turning us into scattered and superficial thinkers. Also, when we’re constantly distracted and interrupted, our brains are unable to forge the strong connections needed to give our thoughts depth and originality. In other words, become “signal-processing units”. It’s a given that people who are constantly distracted understand less than those who can concentrate, and people who juggle many tasks are less productive than those who do one thing at a time. Our thoughts, our memories, and our personalities all seem to hinge on our ability to focus the mind, and is a common thread throughout Carr’s article. He goes on to say how the cellular structure of the human brain adapts readily to the tools we use, such as those for finding, storing, and sharing information. Even how each new technology can strengthen certain neural pathways and weaken others, and how these cellular alterations continue to shape the way we think, even when we’re not using the technology. Carr also reveals how it is the innate bias of the human mind to be distracted, or rather our predisposition to be as aware of as much as possible, which was once critical to our survival. But by reading from the printed book, we are able to focus and gain greater control over our attention and mind. After reading Nicholas Carr’s article, I couldn’t agree more for several reasons. First, is his point about the Net, with its constant distractions and interruptions, is turning us into scattered and superficial thinkers. Second, is his point about the human brain adapting to the information tools we use. Third, is his point about how the printed book is able to focus our attention.
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