The Place of Technology
The Place of Technology
Opinions on the roles technologies have assumed in our lives vary greatly between individuals, but all most often question the potential effects it has on our brains and their functions. Some, like the author Nicholas Carr, see the change as a loss rather than a gain, and others, such as the Glass explorer Gary Shteyngart, are welcoming the change with open arms. Carr elaborates on his technological concerns in great detail in his 2008 article “Is Google Making Us Stupid?” when he reveals personal realizations, references to research, scientific standpoints, as well as his own carefully constructed and researched theories. He gives a voice to concerns, such as the qualitative differences in how we think, read, and learn that we otherwise remain subconsciously unaware of. Shteyngart, however, has adopted nearly an entirely different viewpoint on the developing role of technology in our lives. In his 2012 article “O.K Glass”, he makes it evident that he has become fascinated by the futurism related directly to technology, and continues to willingly incorporate it into his life. Both of these writers meet at the intersection of a largely controversial argument between literacy and tech—not only where we’re heading, but where we already are. Likewise, as the advancement of technology continues to occur, both writers suggest that whether it becomes an advantage or a disadvantage is purely dependent upon the way in which it is applied. In Nicholas Carr’s piece “Is Google Making Us Stupid”, he presents an argument several of us may not have considered prior to reading the article. He begins by explaining how his own mind has become more irregular since his use of technology: “I get fidgety, lose the thread, begin Tillson 2 looking for
Opinions on the roles technologies have assumed in our lives vary greatly between individuals, but all most often question the potential effects it has on our brains and their functions. Some, like the author Nicholas Carr, see the change as a loss rather than a gain, and others, such as the Glass explorer Gary Shteyngart, are welcoming the change with open arms. Carr elaborates on his technological concerns in great detail in his 2008 article “Is Google Making Us Stupid?” when he reveals personal realizations, references to research, scientific standpoints, as well as his own carefully constructed and researched theories. He gives a voice to concerns, such as the qualitative differences in how we think, read, and learn that we otherwise remain subconsciously unaware of. Shteyngart, however, has adopted nearly an entirely different viewpoint on the developing role of technology in our lives. In his 2012 article “O.K Glass”, he makes it evident that he has become fascinated by the futurism related directly to technology, and continues to willingly incorporate it into his life. Both of these writers meet at the intersection of a largely controversial argument between literacy and tech—not only where we’re heading, but where we already are. Likewise, as the advancement of technology continues to occur, both writers suggest that whether it becomes an advantage or a disadvantage is purely dependent upon the way in which it is applied. In Nicholas Carr’s piece “Is Google Making Us Stupid”, he presents an argument several of us may not have considered prior to reading the article. He begins by explaining how his own mind has become more irregular since his use of technology: “I get fidgety, lose the thread, begin Tillson 2 looking for
Cited: Carr, Nicholas. “Is Google Making Us Stupid?” TheAtlantic.com. The Atlantic Monthly Group. 1 Jul. 2008. Web. 14 Sept. 2013. Carr, Nicholas. “The Web Shatters Focus, Rewires Brains.” Wired.com. Condé Nast. 24 May, 2010. Web. 14 Sept. 2013. Professor Giles. In-Class Discussion. “Things to Think About.” University of New England: ENG Composition 110. 10 Sept. 2013. Discussion. Shteyngart, Gary. “O.K Glass.” Newyorker.com. Condé Nast. 5 Aug. 2013. Web. 14 Sept. 2013.