(and very valid) perspective on how technology effects our cognitive abilities. "Just as Microsoft Word had turned me into a flesh-and-blood word processor, the Internet, I sensed, was turning me nto something like a high-speed data-processing machine, a human HAL" (16). I couldn't agree with this statement. Technology often does have an effect on our behavior and mental patterns. It causes us to become more like computers; seeking instant gratification instead of taking the time out to reflect on the information we receive. This is why reading a book or lengthy blog post becomes difficult for us to sustain. The more we spend time with technology (computers, for example), the more we become conditioned to behave like technology. The attention spans and patience of today's youth are not even given a chance to develop because they are given a piece of technology practically at birth . Although there are many benefits to having technology, we are trading vital cognitive abilities for its usage. Should we embrace this new, rapidly approaching, technological era, or should we do our best to moderate its use?
Sunday, August 12, 2012
The Human/Technology Fusion
It's obvious that we humans love technology, and would do anything to get more of it. However, is there a point where our thirst for technology becomes excessive? While reading through The Shallows: What the Internet is Doing to Our Brains, by Nicholas Carr, the author provides an interesting
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Most people enjoy the company of technology because they want an efficient and faster way of receiving information. A huge downfall to technology is effecting our ability to comprehend information. Therefore as technology evolves in our minds and environment we adjust. As we adjust, i agree, affects our attention span and perspective. As technology advances, there are many downfalls and beneficial factors to embracing this new technological era. Some schools are trying to use technology in a positive way by letting students watch educational channels about a certain subject. But as more people use technology, more people, even our generation, already begin to rely on cellphones, computers and the internet. If your focus is on what this technology is doing to our minds its obviously giving us an easy way out. People are not going to choose the long and difficult way towards the same answer, when they can easily "click" and get the answer instantly.
ReplyDeleteAs technology advances, depending on the type of technology, whether its medical, communications or heath. It can create better lives, heal people, even cause people to be dependent on the technology and lastly consume people.
Aren’t we in the technological era? I believe we have no choice but to adapt to the life revolving around technology and the internet. Sam Anderson, the author of “Just One More Game…” provides a written confession of falling into the addicting trap of the technological lifestyle. He tried to avoid all the new gadgets and life consuming distractions. However, technology does provide the appealing efficiency and importance of making certain tasks easier. As people grow more accustomed to new, improving technology, we fall to the entertaining, time-wasting distractions. Just the other day, I saw an advertisement of the video game, Halo 4, and all the work numerous people put into it. This would answer your question of our thirst for technology becoming excessive. Technology is now a necessity of life yet does have a negative impact on the memory and possibly other cognitive functions. There seems to be no escape of the technological era and I choose to embrace it.
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