The article by Nicholas Carr in the WSJ on "Does the Internet make you dumber?" explains the reasons why the world we live in makes us think shallower and superficial.
The vastness and accessibility of the internet tempts everyone (I am not even sure who doesnt surf the net) to not stay focused in one subject, considering the immense choice of hyperlinks in any website that one opens.
Even if one attempts to host a webpage that seldom has links but indepth content, it unfortunately bores the user due to lack of links. Also, it turns out that almost most of the websites are not even authored in depth, considering the fact that the web authors understand that viewers of their site will simply spend no longer than a few minutes trying to just grasp the concept instead of going deep. They also understand that users who want content go to books to get details. All this has degenerated the thought process of inidviduals, especially the younger generation where unfortunately the schools of learning also encourage or tout themselves as providers of digital media or content for their classes.
So how do we get smarter? Well, humans are the most intelligent race in this planet and we should be cognizant of thie fact that we need to use the web in a discrete manner and not expect it to be 'one in all' source or information library. To elevate ones' cognitive thinking, it is therefore important that each of us make this conscious effort.
The same is true in an earlier blog that I commented on the downfall of newspaper where one can get the essence of true journalism which would only erode if newspaper circulation goes down. End result here is also the same - erosion of cognitive skills.
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