The two leading and opposite views on the effect of the technology revolution on the human mind are from Nicholas Carr and Steven Johnson. While the former claims that the internet has a very dysfunctional effect on human cognition, the latter believes that the evolution of more complex games and technologies has enriched the average human mind. This essay takes a look at both the schools of thought and draws conclusions from the respective arguments made.
Nicholas Carr starts his essay with the observation that his own book reading and long article writing habits have suffered immensely due to lack of concentration which can be attributed to the time being spent on the internet. He goes on to say that the …show more content…
Here in he says the internet is doing no good to that particular ability. Carr makes a reference to the great German philosopher Nietzsche and his use of the typewriter. He quips about how the typewriter had made the philosopher’s work even more abrupt. Carr then reaches the central topic of his essay – the effect of internet on the cognitive ability of man. He says that man had a series of intellectual tasks in his daily routine all of which have now been taken over by the …show more content…
These arguments however are presented in a logical format with each claim being justified by significant arguments. Critics have remained vastly dismissive of both the arguments, calling the latter - an absolution for couch potatoes and the former a little too mournful too early. It is therefore clear that a real understanding of the effect of internet on the human mind can only be justified through neurological correlations and studies. However, human intellect has witnesses a decline for several thousands of years and hence it cannot be solely attributed to