Summary:
In "Your Brain on Computers- Attached to Technology and Paying A Price", Matt Richtel the author, describes the Campbell family and the role that technology plays in their lives. Kord Campbell, husband and father, constantly has some sort of technology with him. Whether its his i pad, i pod, cell phone or laptop. He becomes so preoccupied that he nearly missed a business email that he didn't realize was there for 12 days, landed him 1.3 million dollars. Along with Kord, his wife Brenda can't make cookies any more without checking her phone, their son Connor blames his C's on his gadgets distracting him, and their 8 year old daughter Lily can't concentrate on anything around her while she is on her laptop.
Reflection:
The main idea behind "Your Brain on Computers- Attached to Technology and Paying A Price" is how society is becoming more and more dependent on technology. And without it, people don't seem to know what to do with themselves. I couldn't agree more with the idea in this article about technology taking over our lives. For me, it is hard to concentrate on doing my assignments when there is so many distractions available. From surfing the web, checking e-mail, cell phone, Facebook, ESPN, and many more. In this article, it talks about the Campbell family and their experiences with technology. They cant even go on vacation without going on their gadgets and going on the internet. This is an example of how dangerous abusing technology can be. The Campbell family rarely just sits down and interacts with each any more. Ritchel writes how Kord has trouble remembering dinner plans and has trouble focusing on the kids. The reason is because his, and society's, ability to focus is being challenged from a continuous flow of information says Ritchel. And like society if he doesn't have his gadgets with him checking the internet, or his email, Kord becomes bored and uninterested. So society is being greatly affected by technology. And whether you only being slightly affected like me, or find yourself unable to function like Kord Campbell, society is being changed by technology.
Tie in with Carr:
The way in which this article ties in with Carr's is that they both believe that technology is altering the way we do things. For example, in both Carr's and Richtel's article they both discuss how our brains are always evolving and learning based upon what we are doing and how we are doing it. How Carr says he used to be able to read long articles and books and now just skims. That is because his brain has evolved in order for him to be able to read all the information he has coming into him. Moreover, in both articles it discusses the change in society. How society is relying more and more on technology than ever before. In Richtel's article it is stated that in 2008, people took in 3 times as much information each day as they did in 1960. It seems like more and more people are becoming more and more dependent on technology. also in Richtel's article technology is compared to food and sex addiction. There is a need for it, however the overuse of it can cause serve problems. In all both articles state how society is using technology more and more and explains how it is altering the way we do things.
As someone said in another comment, the case of the Campbell's is pretty extreme, but it's meant to representative of a lot of people to one degree or another. I do find it sad though when so many people feel they must get the latest thing. I believe in the article there was a time when he was on vacation but "had" to go to the Apple store to get the new Ipad. People act as if they are powerless against their temptations and desires. Show some willpower! And most of the time these compulsions aren't really based on the advancements in the technology or their as much as wanting to fit in or to be cool.
ReplyDelete