“Your Brain on Computers-Attached to Technology and Paying a Price

Summary

In the article “Your Brain on Computers-Attached to Technology and Paying a Price” Matt Richet initially refers to the Campbell family as an average family of technology users and the part it plays in their life. The Campbell’s all have their devices (IPods, Ipads, laptops, etc.) that always occupies there time and is always almost impossible to put down. The daughter and son even have times in which they must do their homework at the table without any distractions. The father who uses all his time even vacations checking email and playing games on his iPad, while the mother goes on Facebook and Twitter. The article goes on to talk about why we all have this need to always be talking via Facebook or Twitter, the slight “excitement” it gives us. Describing how these distractions can cause harm to the people around us for, instance driving or even a marriage perhaps. Also, Richet speaks of studies done to prove that, for some people, all this multitasking increases stress or the ability to multitask. The effects that this addiction to technology for children was also explained in the text, in conclusion, Mrs. Campbell says when families are “unplugged” from their machines, there is a better environment for everyone.

Reflection

Throughout the text there are many ideas of how technology can affect society, as well as how our society depends on technology. This is an extremely true statement and concept that we all must stop being in denial about. Everyone must have their facebook fix of the day, everyone must call, text, play games on their iPad or iTouch, and check their email. The article focuses on the effects it has on families and the effects it can have on our neurological pathways, or how we learn. How technology affects how society is taking in information and how we learn. We no longer can go on a vacation with the family and spend one hundred percent of the time with each other, there is always an email or calls to be made. In the article, Richter also speaks on the topic of how the internet makes it almost impossible for us to work, there are many distractions that are a finger slide away from what we are doing, constantly thinking about what else there is to do on the computer instead of doing work.

Tie in Carr

A major tie in between the two articles would have to be how both of them talk about the effects that the Internet can have on our neurological pathways, the way we think, and the way we take in information. Both showing the research behind their hypothesis, including tests from universities and studies done throughout the world, scientists, professors, neurologists, psychologists, and many more. They each greatly show the reliance society has on technology for everyday activities and how it affects our daily lives. Richet talks about how technology, at times, may strengthen or decrease your ability to multitask, while Carr talks about how technology and the Internet can or may decrease your ability to read longer pieces of literature because we are so used to reading quickly or skimming due to such an excessive amount of information being thrown at us. Another topic that ties these articles together is how easy it is to become distracted on the internet, Carr saying he becomes “fidgety” and wants to do something else, while Richets speaks about Mr. Campbell being distracted while “frantically” trying to create a program from a news pop-up about a man killed at his business. These articles had some very similar points that tied in together.

Getting Smarter

Summary:
Jamais Cascio argues in “Getting Smarter” that our current technology is the next step in our evolutionary process. In his view, the net and our modern devices are not retarding human progress, but may be aiding it substantially. In fact, technology and its ability to enhance our collective understanding may be what leads to our survival as a species by providing answers to the long-term, extremely complex problems that we face.
Reflection:
On the whole, what Cascio talks about is plausible because it makes sense that ever-better technology begets ever-better technology. The complexity and power of current computer models gives credence to his vision of the future, and science fiction also often becomes reality. So much of what he talks about though, is pretty outlandish and pure supposition. For instance he talks about people using sophisticated computer modeling for something as simplistic as choosing a hairstyle, but I doubt changes will be so far reaching.
One point that I really agree with is that there will be moral and cultural hurdles in creating and implementing the advanced technologies Cascio describes. So much of our current technological/scientific capabilities have been stifled due to these impediments. Stem cell research and cloning are just two that immediately come to mind. This said, some of Caisco’s machinations may come to fruition, but they will take a long time. However, a loss of accumulated knowledge is not unprecedented and we could regress into another Dark Ages also.
Tie-In:
To compare Carr with Cascio, they fundamentally disagree over the impact our technology will have. Carr expresses concern that our brains are being rewired to handle to fast-flowing information and to multi-task. He fears that this alteration is resulting in our diminished capacity to think deeply and reflectively. Cascio also believes that our brains are changing as a result of our technological habits, but he states that the jury is still out as to the impact. He feels that given enough time our brains will catch up to the pace of the technology rather than being somewhat overwhelmed in the way that they currently are. Furthermore, he has more faith in the advance in human individual intelligence than does Carr.
Basically, all of Carr’s fears are addressed by Cascio in that he feels the technological advances will lift up humanity as a whole. All of the negative cognitive changes Carr discusses will be resolved over time. One thing where the two see eye to eye is the blurring of the lines between human and machine. Carr note’s this blurring in 2001: A Space Odyssey by observing the humans’ machine like behavior and the computer’s emotional, human-like responses. Cascio addresses this when he envisions the possibility of a person’s mind being run by a computer.

"Getting Smarter" by Jamais Cascio

Summary: Cascio talks about how technology is not necessarily hurting us, but rather expanding our knowledge. Throughout the years of humanity, technological advances have also advanced humanity, making us have more knowledge and manual labor less important. He talks about how our attention span is clouded and short but its only because we have more things so easily available to us and could have tabs of information open at the same time. He talks about ADD that is given to us by technology, but how certain legal drugs could keep us super focused. He does not think that the web, or even video games, hurts our minds or makes us dumb.

Meaning/reaction: by this article, Cascio means that for the entirety of human existence, we have been expanding our knowledge by being approached with problems that we create solutions for the future. Technology that we create is for always for the use of something, even if that something is not information, but rather for entertainment. Even in that case, he argues that even videogames have great detail in them and relate to things in a bigger picture. In today’s world we have so many things at our fingertips, so much information, people’s opinions from all over the world. He does not think that this technology is making us dumber, although agrees that our attention span is now flawed due to the fact that we don’t just need to have one book in front of us, we could have whatever it is that we want to look up at that particular time. Even for me to read this whole article took a while because it was hard to pay attention, but I don’t think that that makes me stupid, it just makes me uninterested. There are plenty articles on the internet on subjects that I find interesting that I would be able to read straight through without stopping or having to go over a sentence twice. I agree with him, I don’t think our technology makes us more stupid, especially if used the right way. Often times people use technology stupidly, but that doesn’t make us stupid. We have grown and developed as human beings, and will continue to grow and develop as we are faced with new problems that need new solutions. The internet gives us a sort of awareness that we never had before by being able to have insight from all over the world, articles and even games. We should consider the technology that we have an advancement rather than a handicap. It is useful. Anything that I want to know I could just type into google, and with the right source, find my answer. I think that makes me know MORE then the generations before me, not less.

Tie in: This article ties in with Carr’s article because Cascio does agree that technology gives us a sort of “ADD”, and references Carr’s article because of this. He thinks that a lot of people have the same fear as Carr, in the sense that since he is of a generation before the intense use of the internet, it made him think differently or clouded his brain. However, Cascio does not thoroughly agree with Carr’s argument because he thinks on the opposite side, that although it may be affecting attention span somewhat, it is not making us stupid. He argues that the voices on the internet could often be mistaken as “noise”, meaning that peoples logical opinions on things could be mistaken as junk. He argues that this is not junk, and that the extra opinions could actually improve our way of thinking.

"Your Brain on Computers- Attached to Technology and Paying A Price"

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.

"An Ugly Toll of Technology: Impatience and Forgetfulness"

Summary
The article “An Ugly Toll of Technology: Impatience and Forgetfulness” by Tara Parker-Pope describes the impact that technology has on the mind and personality, and how it ultimately can lead to an addiction. It distracts many from doing normal tasks, and they can go through technology withdrawal when deprived of it. Technology can also cause many to hold onto unnecessary past knowledge because everything is saved on computers now. People can become so engulfed in technology that they lose concentration on other aspects of life, like their family and friends.

Reflection
This article focuses on the ways that technology can affect people in a negative way. Avid users can become addicted to the Internet, which means they are too concentrated on the Internet. This causes them to neglect other aspects of their life, like family, friends, and work. I completely agree with the argument in this article. The country is becoming extremely reliant on technology and when it is unavailable, people become very flustered. Most people panic when their phone dies or they don’t have Internet access for an hour. Many restaurants offer free Internet while you eat. What happened to the importance of bonding with your family during your meal? If you go into any restaurant, you will see children playing video games on their portable players, teenagers texting, and parents checking their e-mail on their Blackberrys. The Internet also affects work habits. How many adults admit to shopping online or paying their bills online during work hours? Ask any college student how their paper is going and they’re sure to say that they’ve been distracted by Facebook. While social networking sites and texting are great ways of keeping in touch, they cut into people’s daily lives. Schools have strict anti-phone policies, because texting in class distracts the students from learning. People would rather talk to their friends on Facebook than spend actual time together. Technology is extremely beneficial, but it affects other crucial aspects of life.

Tie-In
The article by Tara Parker-Pope establishes that excessive use of the Internet and technology can lead to “Internet dependence.” Nicholas Carr’s article describes that effects that excessive use can cause. So in relation, Parker-Pope’s article describes what excessive Internet use can cause, primarily an addiction to the Internet, and Carr describes the effects of excessive Internet use, such as difficulties with reading. Internet addiction is caused when the use of Internet gets in the way with people’s daily lives. The Internet and technology can interfere with family, friends, and work. Nicholas Carr also believes that long-term use of the Internet can affect people’s minds. He tells in his article about his troubles with reading. Many people can encounter problems with reading, like being unable to read and digest long pieces of work. People are so used to reading short articles online that they lose the patience to sit down and actually read a novel. It also affects the way people think. People just browse though articles now, instead of reading the entire text to understand fully what the work is about. In Parker-Pope’s article, Dr. Aboujaoude believes that because everything is saved on computers now, it is hard for people to de-clutter their minds from all their stored information. This prevents them from being able to retain new information. Not only is the Internet making us lazy when it comes to reading, but it affects the way we think.

An Ugly Toll of Technology: Impatience and Forgetfulness - Summary, Reflection, and Tie-in

SUMMARY:

Some of the key points I found in "An Ugly Toll of Technology: Impatience and Forgetfulness" by Pope were that the exposure to the new technologies in the world causes a reshape in personalities, and people have become dependent of the Internet, and some "addicted." Popes says that some students get a comfortable feeling by texting and emailing their friends and without technology they would feel alone and secluded from life. Using the Internet is a way of life.

REFLECTION:

I agree with what Pope is saying about technology today. Many people find the use of the Internet as a way of "escaping" and it is true because I find myself going on my computer many times during the day when I am bored and checking my Facebook to see who is doing what and where. I do agree that the Internet is distracting. While I do my homework at night I constantly go on the computer and stop my homework and stay on the computer for hours on end. Sometimes I have to deactivate my Facebook just so I can finish my homework for the week. I find it crazy that people have become dependent of the Internet but it is true. No one really reads the newspaper anymore, no one talks on the phone for hours at a time anymore, and the news basically talks about what has been on the Internet for days now. The Internet is the way people get information anymore without asking anyone but Google. I find that Pope's statements are true to the fact that the Internet is becoming a dependency, making people impatient to finish their work, and seeming to forget everything going on around them other than the screen in front of them.

TIE-IN:

Pope and Carr's articles are very similar because they both talk about the changing of people's personalities when using the Internet. Pope talks about how the Internet makes our personalities more "high speed" and impatient when it comes to young children whose brains function slower than adults. Carr talks about how using the Internet has made him have trouble reading lengthy articles and his ability to stay focused for long periods of time has decreased since using the Internet. Pope and Carr both agree that people have become addicted to the Internet and are using it way too much. Pope thinks that the Internet is like an eating disorder where people can learn to control their use and moderate their time. Carr believes that the usage and change is just going to get worse in the generations to come. Both articles represent the Internet's effects on society and both authors know that the problem cannot be solved and will only get worse.

Better Late then Never. Summary, tie in and reaction to Getting Smarter by Jamais Cascio

Getting Smarter by Jamais Cascio

Summary: Cascio makes the imperitave point that it is within human nature to adapt and get smarter. Millions of years ago humans got better at hunting not by being predictors, but by getting smarter. He talks about how human's surroundings inevitably change though this time around we do not need to rely on the natural surroundings to show us change. We don't need to wait for evolutionary change or anything so drastic, rather, we can rely upon ourselves to become smarter. He makes mention of Carr's piece Is Google Making Us Stupid? and rather, making the point that while there are downfalls (ie. the ADD that comes with it) that we just have access to so much more information. Finally he closes the article with saying that new technology such as robots and other exceptionally different and brilliant inventions will be part of our future lives, and that we just need to accept it.

Reaction: I loved everything Cascio had to say. I enjoyed the points he made about our evolution as man. Possibly my favorite point of the whole article was proving how irrational some people's fears truly are. He specifically talks about today's Best Buy customer and how they're aware how today's technology is just tomorrow's junk. It kind of brought me around to agreeing with him, I even smiled a little because you just realize how absurd some people truly are. He also talks about Twitter, one of the most predominant tools in my daily life. He talks about how it can evolve to attention filters and we can see the things we want to see most. Furthermore that these tools are garnered to help us and will along the line, be filtered more precisely. Overall, I think the article is full of information that doesn't make one and only one point, rather it has a million things to focus and build upon. He talks about Twitter, Wikipedia, how quickly things change and the pace of human nature amongst a slew of other incredibly useful things. His points will only further inspire my Signature Essay.

Tie In: Is Google Making Us Stupid? Written by Nicholas Carr was a significant part of Cascio's piece. He makes mention of how yes, things are changing and our brains are acting significantly different than in the past. Cascio brings it back to talk about how there is so much more for us to use. There are echo's of Cascio's voice in talking about how it is human nature to change and adapt, and we are smart enough now to do it ourselves. Most importantly Cascio talks about how there is a cure for Carr's "self induced ADD" chemically. (Is that the answer to everything, medicine? Remains to be seen.) Overall, it is human nature to go with what has been presented. When the heards of food moved, so did the nomads of the past. With technology, we accept with what is being presented to us and learning how to use it properly and to our advantage. It is our nature and instincts to do what is best for our survival and learn change.