Report summary

Report Summary Research Question: Is the web changing the way we think? The controversial issue regarding effect of web on human thinking prompts diverse arguments from both lay people and researchers. People term it as “ addition” due to its state of prompting an individual to appear as if glued to the browsing machine. This makes even some neglect duties or delay in accomplishing them because they are always social networking, watching videos, playing games or texting their colleagues online. Conversely, numerous researchers put it a bit confusing as a state of user when online moving “ from anticipation to anticipation, and not from satisfaction to satisfaction (Greenblatt 781).”
Questions
1. Does internet make us smarter?
Intellectuals state that the internet has availed enormous information that even a crummy institutional library’s resources cannot have any comparison (Greenblatt 777). Since through internet search machines, a person can access diverse and adequate information within a small duration. This is far from comparing with an individual in a library where physically has to peruse books and probably may lack refined required information. Some intellectuals’ arguments, is that internet aids humanity in becoming smarter, since it strengthens some parts of the brain. Conversely, Thompson from Syracuse University argues that much of internet information undergoes utter filtering, which makes it somehow shallow for reliance (Greenblatt 777). Since internet researchers, especially the students fail in digging deeply to attain the subject’s background. Consequently, yielding to students and other persons who may be looking for similar information citing one source, which is limited.
David Levy from University of Washington warns of evil negatives regarding material overload that leaves one with no time meant for reflection. This leaves one with much information and devoid of necessary capability to utilize it. Since the attained information, act as stored facts that have no purpose in life or formulation of other essential ideas (Greenblatt 778). Carr states that the web has grievous results on its clients; because it affects the mind especially in the manner, it processes information. Primarily, this is evident in the people who study short pieces of literature with hyperlink embedded, for they have less attention on them than the actual physical books’ readers. Internet bears positive and harmful aspects, but these depend on individuals’ context, which implies that the internet does not make us either smarter or stupid. Hence, altering the way we think (Greenblatt 778).
2. Does the web shorten attention spans?
Numerous people argue that the web has drastically reduced this generation’s attention spans, because not many are able even to read large chunk of information online. This is because of countless social alerts that keep popping in and making concentration hard for online users. Its reflection has extended even in the classroom, where students cannot have at least one-hour attention without switching to something else. In addition, supporting of diminished attention, critics argue that even media has resulted to utilizing short stories and myriad of diverse colors to maintain the attention of its viewers. Hence, to increase their attention and reduce monotony that emanates from single outlook of long literature requiring much strain to grasp information conveyed. However, this notion has some opponents; for instance, Aboujaoude who state that the internet may have attracted people who have attention problems. Thus, according to him internet has no significant effects on one’s attention (Greenblatt 779).
3. Are people addicted to the internet?
Numerous arguments according to this article appear to incline on “ addiction” where some people cannot ever dare to put aside their laptops, but stay glued on them always. For instance, entrepreneur Campbell’s situation whose condition many refer it as an addition. Since his browsing is a precedence in the morning and last prior heading to bed (Greenblatt 781). This culminates to be inappropriate where sometimes he cannot accomplish other physical roles like attending to his children. Contrarily to these arguments, the phenomenon receives lighter branding because “ addiction” term is for chemical substances. The opponents say the state is an online “ anticipation to anticipation” that puts the user not knowing what is next, hence encouraging one continue browsing (Greenblatt 781).
Significant Quotes
“ Giving a workaholic laptop is like giving an alcoholic a bottle of gin,” says E. Jeffrey Hill, Brigham Young University Sociologist (Greenblatt 775).
Peter Suderman, “ Rather than memorizing information, we now store it digitally and just remember what we stored” (Greenblatt 776).
“ Our use of the net will only grow, and its impacts on us will only strengthen, as it becomes present in our lives.” By Nicolas Carr, the Shallows (Greenblatt 791)
Greenblatt’s argument about web altering human thinking does not state directly, but utilizes indirect method. This encompasses use of other researcher’s arguments and unveilings that are close to his, to back up the hypothesis. That is;
“ But some studies suggest that the internet may, in fact, be changing the way we are thinking.” (Greenblatt 779).
The most outstanding features in Greenblatt and weinberg’s report in making it valid is the immense utilization of other researcher’s works and arguments. In addition, he traces the evolution utilization of internet; meant to prove how mental with time has encountered alterations.
Work Cited
Alan, Greenblatt. Impact of the Internet on Thinking. CQ Researcher, 20. 33, (24, Sept. 2010): 773-796.