Is Google Making Us Stupid?

Article Title: “Is Google Making Us Stupid”
Author: Nicholas Carr
Published in The Atlantic Monthly, July/August Vol. 302 Issue 1, p56-63

Summary: This article is bringing out the reality that internet search, media and cellphones creating a change in our way of reading, interpreting and easily understanding information. Our brains are becoming more “immune” to rapidly receiving and interpreting information which causes us to lose interest in reading more lengthy articles. Many people are losing the ability to read in depth writing due to the substantial amount of technology that we use every day. Google is adding on another “technology” that is affecting our reading skills. It is taking our skill level of reading that we once had and turning them it skimming skills. Fast internet searches may be less time consuming but they also can cause a downward fall in ability to stay focused on longer and more challenging readings.

Response: It is the first time that I have heard of a search engine making society stupid; very interesting article. I believe that Google search engine is a helpful resource if people utilize it properly. For a person to get an answer to their question they need to review the results that are found thoroughly. It really is all your own judgment whether or not you think the information is reliable and correct. Most people that do find disproportionate information or pictures usually are not the ones who were specific about what they typed in the search bar. I do know that Google has multiple uses, many of which can make critics believe that it can be making humans stupid and “helpless”. During my everyday life I use Google for things such as, hours of operations of stores, phone directory, questions I may have and most importantly, I use Google Maps when I’m unsure how to get from point “a” to point “b”. By using Google as a resource, it can improve the brain and memory. I say this because; you can look up directions or store hours and know them for next time, rather than going through the whole process of research again. Google saves time, but can also waste it!