It has happened many times, reading a full page only to realize none of the information was retained. Was it always this way? Nicholas Carr thinks he knows what happening, in “Is Google Making us Stupid?” he discusses the fact that technology is having a negative impact on our thinking and learning. He holds the belief that technology is changing the way our brains process information, which is affecting attention spans and the ability to think critically. Carr’s article is an effective analysis on the impact technology has on our brains.
Starting his article, Carr’s use of personal stories and experiences further his point. He talks about the issues he’s had with concentrating on long readings since technology has become more prevalent in
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Carr uses Friedrich Nietzsche’s story of losing his sight and how the changing of his medium from pen and paper to a typewriter affected his writing (318). Carr discusses how the use of new technologies, no matter what time period, has effects on the way people think. Carr’s use of Nietzsche as an example is extremely successful. For one, Nietzsche is a trusted public figure who is known for his intelligence and writing. This is also a clear example that relates to Carr’s message, making it easy for the reader to connect this example to the subject. The use of a figure makes his argument that technology has a larger effect on mankind is made easy to believe due to the trustworthiness of Nietzsche in his example. The reader also believes that if a great mind like Nietzsche was affected by technology, surely they are being affected as well. Carr’s use of a popular philosopher only serves to further his …show more content…
He includes quotes from large, technology tycoons who believe that advancement in technology is beneficial because it is making information more accessible and more useful. Carr counters this claim by stating that with the large advancements that technology “Is doing the work of the mind” (324). While he addresses naysayers in his argument he does not completely dismiss their ideas, instead discussing them in a calm way that builds his credibility with the reader. Though Carr believes the most important thing that technology is doing is getting close to replacing human thinking, he discusses the ideas that people believe could be a positive. His rational discussion of the opposition makes him appear knowledgeable to the reader which further builds his argument. His ability to remain level headed and sensible prove that this an effective addition to the