Technology Is Becoming Dumber By Mark Bauerlain

Technology has been around humans since the cavemen days, but it undoubtedly took a huge turn in with the completion of the first ever computer. It has been nearly eighty years since then, and we have evolved even more, creating virtual reality simulations and touch screen tablets, in addition, we have access to literally anything with the internet. However, there is a strong argument from previous generations that this generation is becoming “dumber” due to the easy access and overreliance on technology for education, leading us to wonder whether technology is truly benefiting or harming this generation’s intelligence. While the author Mark Bauerlain believes that the arrival of technology has affected the way millennials think, making them “dumber”, technology has rather provided for us a more approachable, time-saving, and broader range of knowledge
Mark Bauerlain says that “technological advantages don’t show up in intellectual outcomes” and “the mental equipment of the young falls short of their media, money, e-gadgets, and career plans.” But the truth of the matter is that examination scores have been on the rise since the early 1900’s as written by Sharon Begley in her article, creating a direct correlation with the rise of technology. Bauerlain also says “The 18-year-old may have a Visa-card, cell phone, Myspace page, part time job, Play Station 2, and an admissions letter from the State U., but if you ask this wired and on-the-go high school senior a few intellectual questions and the façade of in-the-know-ness crumbles,” (Source 2) This statement can be countered with another statement from Sharon Begley: “But there is no empirical evidence that being immersed in instant messaging, texting, iPods, videogames and all things online impairs thinking