Technology and the Internet - Research Paper Example

Technology and the Internet The technology’s intellectual worth is being questioned by different people in different ways. The use of internet, computers and similar communication technologies are often debated on equal counter argument ways. Nicholas Carr clearly advocates that the never-ending application of internet technology as a tool of gathering information is “chipping away [our] capacity for concentration and contemplation.” As a counter argument, Jamais Cascio’s assertion may be used. Cascio suggests that technological advancements have facilitated the availability of a “sea of information [that won’t] dry up,” and he adds up that we should move forward “to take advantage of the diversity of knowledge and experience our civilization embodies.” The arguments of both authors are, hence, true and fairly acceptable but the charisma lies in keeping a balance between the usage of technology (or specifically internet). This paper aims to reject the propositions made by Nicholas Carr and also provides ample supporting evidence to reach to a conclusion. The paper provides a fairly balanced debate on the topic before forming any opinion on the credibility of Carr’s opinions and judgments about internet as a source of information or laziness. Carr’ judgments about technology as being an evil are discussed in the paper in detail and evidence is gathered, both, to support and refute the claims. Nicholas Carr focuses his attention on the search engine Google which is being used by almost every individual in the modern world. The author, Nicholas Carr, is of the view that although internet provides an endless pool of information, there are various inconsistencies about the information accessible on it. He argues that internet has distorted the manner of our thinking, analyzing and reading. Carr’s arguments on using internet for reading and researching are strong. The author does not deny the easy access of information and help on almost every topic using Google or other search engines but emphasizes on the quality of that information accessed which is or may be questionable. The decreased use of published information and original research material being used is the point which Carr is concerned about. The use of Google or other search engines provide relevant but to some extent unreliable information to the user. In support of Carr’s judgements about technology, Gibson’s analysis of technology may be useful. Gibson simple rejects the idea of using internet as a tool to save our time. He proposes that internet provides us with ample space to waste time. He sees internet as a broad system which takes up our whole attention and diverts us from the real necessity which needed to be fulfilled. This is quite true in many cases as internet does not allow us to focus on one topic, task or software. People usually use 2 or more software when surfing through the internet and social networking websites, messengers and other software are used side by side. Gibson claims that " it offers us the opportunity to waste time, to wander aimlessly, to daydream about the countless other lives, the other people, on the far sides of however many monitors in that postgeographical meta-country we increasingly call home" (Gibson 1996). The claims are not invalid as it is evident in the daily life that internet, Google or other social networking websites or software takes up most of our time. When using Google for a research, people often come across a number of new ideas or things which distract the user from the original search. In an effort to highlight the deficiencies that internet and technologies bring in our lives, Bradley provides a useful and convincing opinion. Bradley does not support the ease of communication as a powerful claim in favor of technology but instead refutes it by claiming it to be the best example of our laziness” as it shows our “inability to communicate face-to-face". The technology is making us lazy and inactive. Google and search engines fdo not merely provide easy yet manipulated information but also keep us away from the boundaries of libraries. Even the virtual libraries are avoided as users find it easier to get relevance on Google rather than searching libraries for credibility of the research or the topic. Use of online games substitutes the physical activities available at leisure parks and sports grounds; cars and other vehicles substitute our walking habits and internet substitutes the physical boundaries of class rooms, universities, libraries and real life interaction with people. Neither the benefits nor the drawbacks can be ignored of any subject. Internet and technology is a broad subject which can take up different perspectives to claim and counter claim the arguments. The USA today article proposes that "technology, including computers, e-mail, and cell phones, gives students a way to keep their relationships warm". The article also suggests that "some students may find it easier to watch their favorite television show or play games on the Internet" rather than socializing with friends, family or relatives. The debate, hence, goes on with counter arguments presented in a logical manner. It is argued that "the internet has become the best source of information as there is nothing on which you cannot find information by browsing the internet." (Bizymoms.com). The claim is neither new nor astonishing for the people today. Anything from a cooking recipe to literature analyses are available over the internet and easily accessible. However, the use of such information from the internet firstly creates problematic situation on the copyright issues when it comes to using that information in one’s personal research or sharing medium. Means (1997) makes use of a number of research studies to sustain the claims made. The paper provides thorough, rather than concise, analysis on the arguments. The paper claims that technology enhances learning. We use computers, internet, printers, online classrooms, databases and software to aid the learning process in the modern educational environment. Means (1997) supports the use of internet in the learning area as it provides students and learners with a number of new ways to explore their knowledge and enhance it using the internet and other resources. They also find a way to express their feelings, share their information and research their unanswered questioned using internet research software and mediums. The use of internet may be a waste of time if not used intellectually. Internet cannot be judged as an evil force or a completely useless thing as it provides a number of ways which facilitate learning, sharing knowledge, motivating learning environment, communicating ideas and enhancing learners’ interest. The distant education concept is a straightforward evidence of internet being a helping hand in promoting education. The use of internet research engines like Google may be questioned for the reliability of information but suggesting that it does not help us learn or participate in the learning environment is vague. Google and other search engines provide us the starting point of any research and make it easier for us to find out the relevant and useful resources for the topic by going through the reviews, people’s suggestions and so on. The main idea is to properly formulate a working and learning scope, scheduling it and following the plan to avoid the distractions. Internet search engines do have some drawbacks but basing our decision on those drawbacks does not eliminate the need of it in our daily life. Technology is helping us in every walk of life and internet is a blessing which supports our learning, working, family and daily life. Bibliography "Technologys a blessing and curse to students". USA Today (Society for the Advancement of Education). FindArticles.com. 31 Mar, 2011.< http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m1272/is_2724_134/ai_n15380367/?tag=content;col1> Bizymoms, . "Internet as a source of information. ." Computers and Technology. Bizymoms, Web. 31 Mar 2011. . Bradley, Eric. "Technology is making us lazy ." Computers & Technology. Helium, 10 Mar 2009. Web. 31 Mar 2011. . Carr, Nicholas. "Is Google Making Us Stupid?: What the Internet is doing to our brains." Atlantic July2008: pp. 186-94. Web. 31 Mar 2011. . Gibson, William. "THE NET IS A WASTE OF TIME." New York Times Magazine 14 Jul. 1996: n. pag. Web. 31 Mar 2011. . Means, Barbara. "Critical Issue: Using Technology to Enhance Engaged Learning for At-Risk Students." Learning point Associates. North Central Regional Educational Laboratory, 1997. Web. 31 Mar 2011. . Read More