This is my revised edition of the post where we responded to Chris Hedges article, “Is Google Making Us Stupid?” I used Harris’ method of countering to respond to the article. Whereas in my first post, I was genuinely trying to completely nullify Hedges’ views and opinions, in this post I am trying to point out his valid points but at the same time, “counter” them with my own views.
In Chris Hedges’ article, “Is Google Making Us Stupid?” he brings up some very valid and probable points, but I will say that I do not really agree with what he is saying. Hedges claims that the use of the Internet is making the general public more lazy when it comes to research, which may possess some truth. However, I believe that even though the innate laziness that is created in this medium of information and technology, the benefits definitely outweigh the downfalls. The uses of the Internet are limitless, and I believe that we should make use of this tool as much as we can.
Even though it may be easy for laziness to settle in while making use of the Internet, I believe that we still have the capability to overcome this laziness. I feel that laziness falls under personal control, though it may be difficult to avoid. If anything, it will add a challenge to our lives which will make us stronger people.
In my own personal experience, I am just as distracted when I read a book or a newspaper as when I am surfing the web. There are just as many distractions around the house, workplace, etc. as there are on the Internet.
So, in conclusion, I feel that my response to the initial question, “Is Google Making Us Stupid?” is that maybe yes, the Internet may be making us lazy, but it is not making us stupid. No matter if it is making us lazy, we are still being exposed to more information, which is in turn making us smarter.
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It's kind of amazing how well that "yes, but..." move works. This revised post is much better in analyzing Hedges and expanding upon his arguments.
ReplyDeleteAnd I think that if Hedges had done more countering in the mode of Harris, then people might not have taken such offense. Then again, perhaps he wanted people to be offended.