Defining Are We Too Dependent on Technology and Internet
Throughout human history, tools are indispensable for us to become what we are today. By making and using them wisely, humans have climbed to the top of the food chain even though we are not as fast and strong as many animals. Our ancestors learned to make and use the weapon to hunt, fire to cook, paper to read, and a pen to write. All of them marked the turning point of human evolution, then came technology and the Internet. In “Are we too dependent on technology?” argumentative essay two articles on this topic are analysed. Both Nicholas Carr and Clive Thompson, who are renowned experts in technological writings, claim that despite the benefits and conveniences these modern tools provide, it affects the way people think and act. While Carr worries about the flourish of technology and the Internet would bring more harm than benefits, Thompson argues it is just the tool to serve humankind, and we would be more powerful if it was employed effectively. In my opinion, I agree with Thompson that new technology is definitely not making us stupid.
In the article “Is Google Making Us Stupid”, Nicholas Carr concerns about the negative effects of modern technology on our brains. As the Internet grows widely popular, people gain more access to information. However, it is not the kind of traditional reading. Because of the huge amount of materials to read, people do not invest time to reflect on what they read, which means they have more knowledge but it is not deep. Eventually, they lose the ability to stay focus and nurture any deep thoughts. Carr believes it would lead to the downturn of humankind, especially with the emergence of Artificial Intelligence, so people should be more aware of the unpredicted threat than the sole benefits.
On the other hand, in the article “Smarter Than You Think: How Technology Is Changing Our Minds for the Better”, Clive Thompson shows the power of the human brain in the combination with technology advancement. He explains that with the assistance of computers, chess players have advanced to the next levels, and there are numerous younger grandmasters thanks to the easy access of chess learning materials. Indeed, computers are far more superior in calculating when compared to humans, but there are more factors to consider other than the chess moves. Despite the inability of deep calculation, human brains are more flexible to any changes in the external environment that the lifeless machines cannot compare to. Thompson argues that no matter how strong the technology, it is nothing more than a mere tool that serves the purposes of humanity. Although it is undeniable that many people have become too reliant on the machines, he is optimistic about the positive prospect that technology brings us.
To begin with, both Carr and Thompson acknowledge that technology revolutionizes our world. Previously, it was hard to obtain further knowledge in a certain field. To write a research essay, people had to spend long hours in libraries to find the correct materials. With the vast information available online nowadays, doing research is more effective and time-saving. However, everything has its costs. We gradually lose the ability to concentrate than we used to be because we are living in an era of distraction where new technological equipment are released every day, and their targets are to make us even more addicted to their products. In this rush society where time is money, we are totally surrounded by various entertainment, information, and resources. Therefore, we do not have enough time for all of them. Carr insists, “My mind now expects to take in information the way the Net distributes it: in a swiftly moving stream of particles. Once I was a scuba diver in the sea of words. Now I zip along the surface like a guy on a Jet Ski”. In other words, he means our knowledge now is wider but not deeper due to the rise of technology and the Internet. As a result, people have already assimilated into this new era unconsciously.
Nonetheless, while Carr feels uncertain about the future when cyberspace become a vital part of life, Thompson believes this powerful tool will help humanity advance further. It is admitted that our minds have changed dramatically because we are too dependent on technology to solve problems these days. For example, when doing the math, some students are too heavily reliant on the use of calculators that their performances will suffer if they are not allowed to use the devices. However, Thompson is more optimistic about its prospects. He argues, “One of the great challenges of today’s digital thinking tools is knowing when not to use them, when to rely on the powers of older and slower technologies, like paper and books”. He believes that the complete control of this powerful tool is more important than being afraid of the positive or negative sides of the outcomes. People are always suspicious of unconventional changes, but as history has proved, humankind is excellent in taking advantage of tools to become the dominant species of the Earth, and there is no exception this time.
In this debate, I strongly agree with Thompson that technology and the Internet have increased the strength of humans to the next level. With a computer, people can study and learn new knowledge easily. In my own experience, it is used to be very hard to learn a new language because of the limitation of resources. Nowadays, with various resources and free materials online, it is much easier to practice and improve my language skills. Although some people may abuse this digital tool for their own entertainment, others take advantage of its benefits for helpful activities. Not only that, if people are passionate enough, they could have the opportunity to become an expert in any field by self-studying. This is much more complicated in the past. Moreover, it also helps to save time and remove the gap between the newcomer and professional. Thompson claims, “But by then computers had emerged, and in the years since, the record has been broken twenty times, as more and more young players became grand masters”. What Thompson wants to say is chess under this era has evolved into a new higher level. Consequently, it is not only applied for chess but also for us and our world that have revolutionized into the next stage.
In conclusion, tools invention and technology development are inevitable parts of human evolution. Although people tended to be skeptical whenever a new concept was introduced, it was proven by the history that such concepts would only improve the quality of life. Carr is very mindful to be aware of the dangers of Internet technology, but his approach is too conservative. I strongly agree with Thompson that humanity will become much more powerful if we apply technology effectively. With the assistance of innovations, people could increase their potential greatly. In spite of some predictable risk, the advantages of digital tools are too crucial and appealing to be overlooked. To minimize the potential harms, people, especially the younger generations, should be educated to avoid getting too dependent on their digital devices and use the tools more efficiently and productively.
