This was the title of an article in last Saturday’s Wall Street Journal. Two experts answered the question. Clay Shirky says “Smarter”. Nicholas Carr argues “Dumber”.
I was struck by some of Carr’s thinking, especially this: “…a growing body of evidence suggests that the Net, with its constant distractions and interruptions, is also turning us into scattered and superficial thinkers.”
And what of our relationships? I wonder whether all of our texting and “social” media has us in superficial relationships.
Ultimately, I believe the answer depends. Are we replacing our in-person world with our online world? Or is the online experience just another layer. I’m trying for the latter.
I’m also monitoring myself and whether I’m capable of turning it all off from time to time. A vacation from being so connected.
Today, I’m taking a mini-sabbatical from my computer screen and am off to interact the old-fashioned way. I feel smarter.
What about you: is the Internet making you smarter or dumber?
2 Responses (add yours)
I LOVE that little article. In fact, I was going to write about how, after thinking about it, I’d steadfastly take the stance that the internet (and our devices in general) are making us dumber. Unfortunately, I don’t have time–got too many texts, e-mails, and links to tend to. But thanks for sharing!
Ha. But you are one of those people who should know how to make the time, Kirk – DISCONNECT! And please do write about the topic….there is so much more to say about the subject, don’t you think?