Options! No more, no less. That is the answer. So what is the question?
Does the internet make us dumber or smarter? This is a running debate with no scientific answer. I am inclined to believe the internet has not changed the smart/dumb ratio (for lack of a more intellectual term).
For instance, does having access to books in a library inherently make you smarter? Of course not. Nobody has ever stood in a room of books and boosted their IQ. The internet has the same kind of effect. Having access to google (aka search) virtually limitless information at your fingertips does not make you smarter (or dumber). It all comes down to how you intend to make use of the resources. A guilty pleasure of mine is laughing at fails, which has a neutral impact to my smart/dumb.
I really do not know (and do not much care) whether the internet makes you smarter or not. But what I do love the speed at which information can be provided. It is not always good or reliable information, but its up to us to navigate through the noise and make sure future generations know how to do the same.
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Dumb & Dumber...or Lazy and Lazier?
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We've created a monster!
14 years ago
Some very smart people have argued for a long time that the speed of communication and the speed of innovation are directly related. If that's true, the internet is a fantastic tool for fostering new breakthroughs in all fields.
ReplyDeleteI am concerned that we are gaining interest in the speed of information while loosing interest in its depth, but that may be related to the newness of the technology.
I always think there's different kinds of smartness/intelligence. Some people remember lots of facts, others have strong emotional intelligence, some are good at figuring things out quantitatively, etc. etc.
ReplyDeleteThe internet lets us find things quicker, whereas previous generations maybe took great stock in being able to find information through the ancient sources (books, print). Maybe you're no longer special for finding info. But that doesn't make the world stupider, just more advanced?
Wouldn't you be unwise for not using Google/social networks to find info?
KK I agree with what you are saying. How can a tool make you smarter or dumber? All, the internet does is provide you with the ability to gather and obtain information in a quick and efficient manor. Once gathered it is up to you to decide, where to go next.
ReplyDeleteAdeograc I agree with your comment. The information is out there and available to everyone so, the praise is definitely gone. I think it has turned into more of a competition based on speed.
And yes, I think you would be unwise, or to use a popular term stupid, to not use Google and other platforms to find information.
To MattITEC656: I wonder if the speed at which information can be retrieved from the internet has increased people's interest in a broad array of topics. To learn the fundamentals of almost any subject you can do a search and find some good, free information.
ReplyDeleteTo adeograc: Depending on the information google/social networks could certainly be the best place to find answers. The intelligence question could come in when people are not able to find information through these methods. Do they know where to look next? Or do they give up and say the answer does not exist? I hope it is usually the former.
"Fails"-- great site! I have never heard of it before. One more thing to distract me when I don't feel like working ;)
ReplyDelete