Is Google Making Us Stupid Argumentative Essay Example

extensively; however, he eventually began contemplating what it would be like to do all his reading online."

Blogger Bruce Friedman suggests that his altered reading habits are not a result of changing how he reads, but rather a shift in thinking caused by the internet. He acknowledges struggling to fully comprehend long articles, both online and in print. Researchers studied computer logs from two prestigious research sites over five years: one run by the British Library and another by a U.K. educational consortium. These platforms granted access to journal articles, e-books, and other written materials.

According to the study's author, there is a tendency for individuals to skim through online content rather than reading it extensively. This has given rise to a new form of reading known as "emerging users" or power browsing. The author argues that people deliberately avoid conventional reading methods when consuming information online. What are your opinions on this matter? Personally, I have found that reading books and reading online offer contrasting experiences. For instance, I face difficulties with online schooling and using e-books for lessons; I prefer physical books because they typically provide more comprehensive information, aiding my comprehension of specific assignments.

According to Carr, the increased availability of online text and communication through texting on cell phones has led to a rise in reading. However, some may question whether this increase is genuine or merely an illusion created to give the impression that people are reading more. Maryanne Wolf, a developmental psychologist at Tufts University, argues that this type of reading is unique and signifies a different mode of thinking that could lead to a new understanding of oneself. Wolf asserts that

our identity is not solely shaped by what we read but also how we read. Therefore, when she says "We are what and how we read," she may be suggesting that if we read slowly, our lifestyle will adopt a slow-paced nature or hinder our ability to achieve significant accomplishments. On the other hand, if we rapidly skim through books, it might result in constantly searching for happiness without ever truly finding it. Wolf contends that online reading emphasizes "efficiency" and "immediacy" above all else, potentially diminishing our capacity for deep reading which was fostered by earlier technologies such as the printing press – enabling long and intricate prose to become common.

In her article titled "People of the Screen" for the New Atlantis, Christine Rosen explores the disappearance of printed books and its implications for reading and print culture. She raises concerns about what will happen to reading if we choose to replace books. Rosen suggests that a new form of literacy called "digital literacy" is emerging, signaling a shift in how we consume information. Some proponents argue that this digital literacy represents progress and improvement in the realm of books. However, not everyone shares this perspective. Bloom, for instance, challenges the notion that reading promotes civic engagement by asserting that one's reading habits cannot directly impact others' lives or enhance their understanding.

No one can deny that our new communications technologies have fundamentally altered the reading culture (thenewatlantis.com). Nicholas Carr's article "Is Google Making Us Stupid" does not literally refer to the search engine "Google", as we all understand that a website cannot make us unintelligent. The article attempts to persuade us to not rely

on books for reading, suggesting that we can improve our reading skills by using the internet, where we can read faster. In a certain sense, Carr's theory is valid, as we tend to spend more time researching on the internet rather than going to the library and borrowing a book.

Personally, while the internet provides a significant wealth of information, it serves as a secondary option for me when conducting research. I contemplate whether books will eventually become antiquated and if people will solely rely on the internet for all their reading needs. Additionally, I question whether this form of reading is detrimental to our intellect. Ultimately, the decision rests with each individual as both mediums offer valuable information.