In Carr’s article, he attempts to
answer the question about whether or not Google is making us more stupid as a
generation. While there is no definite way to prove this hypothesis, it poses a
real question all the same. Who can say whether my generation is “dumber” due
to Google and the quickness/simplicity of the Internet, versus previous
generations less accustomed to such technology.
Carr quotes
one blog writer Scott Karp who reads exclusively blogs, and no longer books.
Who is to say that proves anything? The man is a blogger; therefore, he devotes
most of his time to reading blogs and not hardcopy books. Another blogger only
skims readings, and cant focus on longer pieces. None of this to me is
conclusive. These men are bloggers first than avid readers second. Their job is
to absorb as much info as quickly as possible so they can repost newer updates
or ideas.
To me Carr’s anecdotes and ramblings
about Nietzsche and his failing sight, typewriters, and theoretical computers
do nothing to add to his argument. While our attention span may be tuned down
due to instant gratification that the Internet offers, my generation is no less
intelligent than previous one’s. If anything our generation is more intelligent
due to the accessibility of Google and all that the search engine ideal has to
offer.
After
discussing our browsing habits, our class shows a general like and interest in
news. It helps to broaden our basic knowledge of the world, allows for the
pursuit of ones interests in the world, like history, music, or science. As a
whole the Internet and Google help us to become more intelligent.
What is intelligence? How can it be measured?
ReplyDeleteWell, there are IQ tests, aptitude tests, SATs and APs, etc. But the more people look at intelligence and "multiple intelligences," the harder it is to pin down the term.
DeleteExactly what I meant. Intelligence, while it is capable of being measured on many different scales, all of the scales are based on the test creators perspective of intelligence, therefore, being slightly biased. On another note, as Eric said above, that is just the standard evaluation of what we deem intelligence. It is nearly impossible to determine the true measure of "multiple intelligence."
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