Is Google Making Us Stupid?

Is Google Making Us Stupid?

In the article “Is Google Making Us Stupid,” the author suggests that Google could be diminishing our brain power. He describes the internet as a “universal medium,” delivering answers without requiring any self-contemplation. Our capability to concentrate is stolen, inhibiting us to think on deeper levels.   The internet is very influential and can take away from the learning experience, however, it is a critical tool for global growth that should be used meticulously. The author is right when he describes the internet as an influential power over us that we often don't think twice about. Information floods into our minds at such an alarming rate we hardly have a second to think “What are we taking away from this?” He says  “Our minds are expected to take in information the way the Net distributes it; swiftly moving the stream of particles,” and I agree with Nicholas. These “streaming particulars” carve out our active channels of thought, shifting the way we think. Trying to form our own personal opinion when we digest so much news becomes overwhelming and our personal judgment gets cloudy. Often we see people get held back from their full thinking potential simply because it certainly takes much less time and brain power to say “Hey Google.”Google makes it so we think smarter, not harder. I say this because of my own personal experiences growing up with the computer. I am currently taking an online math class. For me, the information I get from Google doesn't just help me solve problems but helps me to learn the process better. In traditional classes, how the teacher teaches doesn't always connect to me, especially in math. I have a really hard time with math and google is a tool for me. When I get confused I go on Youtube and look up the process of how to solve the equation I’m working on. Very often I learn more in 3 minutes than I did in a classroom for 2 hours and I actually understand it so I can do it on my own. I don’t just use Google for answers. I also use it for a better understanding. Google makes it easier for me to learn. Ultimately, Google doesn't make us stupid if we are careful about what we believe.

Carr, Nicholas. “Is Google Making Us Stupid?” The Atlantic, Atlantic Media Company, 13 June 2018, www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2008/07/is-google-making-us-stupid/306868/.

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