When I first saw this in the list of articles for us to read I was a little irritated. Even now, three years after this article was written, this is still a pretty hot topic. We can't seem to escape it.
While I don't entirely disagree with everything the article said, I'm not completely convinced that the Internet is keeping us from deeply thinking on our own. It has definitely altered our lives very much, but I haven't noticed that much of a difference at least in my life.
I don't know about everyone else but I've always skimmed articles and essays when I've had to write a research paper. I don't really enjoy reading informational things like that, so I always hunt and peck for what I'm looking for. Since the Internet has become more and more used I haven't noticed any difference in the way I do research papers. Besides the Internet I still use books and magazines too. Sometimes though, it's just more convenient to use the Internet because it's faster than looking through a book or magazine. Plus, when I'm reading a book, long or short, I don't get distracted like the author said he does. I don't notice any difference, unless I honestly don't enjoy the book, I keep reading, getting caught up in the characters and story.
A sentence that really caught my attention was, "it is clear that users are not reading online in the traditional sense; indeed there are signs that new forms of "reading" are emerging as users "power browse" horizontally through titles, contents pages and abstracts going for quick wins." Why are these new ways of reading? Why read a whole article if you just need one piece of information that may not be at the beginning? That's not to say you should always read like that, it's just a tool to help you with something like writing a research paper.
Another thing that came to my attention was, "our writing equipment takes part in the forming of our thoughts." I've never really noticed a difference in my writing, but then again I've never really paid attention. That kind of blows my mind that your writing style could change depending on if you're using a pen and paper or a computer. I guess I'll have to pay more attention when I'm writing!
One thing I definitely agree with is that the Internet causes us to be "scattered brained" as my grandma says. There are so many distractions. You could be writing a paper, chatting on Facebook, and watching a TV show all at the same time. Obviously, this can't prove to be a good thing. Your paper would suffer because you're so distracted, your friend would be put on hold many times throughout your conversation, and you wouldn't catch half of the TV show you're watching. Besides that, your mind wouldn't be able to take in and manage all that going around you. You might not remember half the things you would have if you had been focused on one thing.
The Internet has really helped us, but I guess we really need to draw boundaries. Too much of anything isn't good.
Do you think our perspectives are skewed a bit because we grew up while technology did? I was thinking that we learned how to balance our lives because we didn't have all the things we do now. I think that's why we have the ability to think and use technology.
ReplyDeleteI agree with what you said because I'm glad that we have grown up with all the technology that we have. However, I do see Ellie's point and I would probably feel different if I was born in the 80's or earlier.
ReplyDeleteI really liked reading this! It all made perfect sense and i do agree that we have the distractions but it is also a very great thing to have. Plus like you said, people still do research other ways, maybe not as often though! The internet is a wonderful thing, I do think we can take it for granted though!
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