Internet Idiots?

Carr, Nicholas. "Is Google Making Us Stupid?" The Atlantic. The Atlantic Magazine. July/August 2008. Web. February 2009.
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In his article, "Is Google Making Us Stupid?", Nicholas Carr makes the argument that, even though the internet provides the advantage of immediate access to a wealth of information, that advantage comes with a heavy price. He writes from the viewpoint of a professional writer and avid reader who claims that, as a result of Internet usage, now has difficulty concentrating, contemplating, or reading anything lengthy. He helps make his point by using the analogy of Hal in "2001, A Space Odyssey". Just as Hal felt forlorn as he said, "Dave, my mind is going. I can feel it. I can feel it. I'm afraid," Carr claims to feel a sense of loss as he feels his brain circuitry changing. He also uses the analogy of a scuba diver who used to dive deeply into a "sea of words" but now just zips along the surface on a Jet Ski. Carr points out that he is not the only one noticing this effect of Internet usage on brain function. He strengthens his argument by quoting other writers, citing a University College London study, and quoting a developmental psychologist who has authored a book on the subject. He also points out parallels to other inventions that have had an impact on the way people think. Carr promotes the idea that, while there are great advantages to being able to jump from source to source for information on the Internet, there are also significant consequences.

The point that the author makes is important to consider because the stakes are high and the effects dramatic if his observations, research and conclusions are correct. Almost everyone uses the Internet and people should be aware of the possible cost to their brain functions. As the author points out, so much has been written about the Internet, but very little attention has been given to the risks of its usage. As a professional writer, avid reader and one who has done extensive research, Carr's voice should be heard. "Even though we are reading more than we did in the 70's and 80's, it is a different kind of reading and behind it lies a different kind of thinking." He adds, "Our ability to interpret text, to make the rich mental connections that form when we read deeply and without distraction, remains largely disengaged." Carr's implied challenge to the audience is to wake up to the downside of Internet usage before "our own intelligence flattens into artificial intelligence." He does not provide any suggestions as to how to fight the negative effects, but, after reading the article, one is left with the feeling that it is important to balance time on the internet with time reading and contemplating on a more in-depth level in order to retain the ability to do so.