The shoals: what the Internet is doing to our brains
The new electronic world we live in is where everyone can access all kinds of information with a click of the mouse. No need to go to the library and spend hours reading every cited reference. General subject teachers are becoming less useful, only the specialist teachers of the future will likely survive this happy new world.
- Does this constant exposure to electronic stimuli benefit us?
- Can we use all this information?
- Are we trading deep understanding for superficial distractions?
These thoughts are answered in Nicholas Carr’s book, The Shallows.
Nicholas Carr believes that the Internet is having a great impact on our behavior. Constant exposure to fast data and the new culture of “multitasking” may be changing the way our brains are wired. This alteration is due to the inherent ability of the brain to reconnect its connections based on different processes and stimuli. As a result, this can affect our ability to retain and absorb the knowledge and information that we used to acquire through reading or storytelling. The author brings a lot of research to back up his claims, which makes this book a very interesting read for everyone.
Carr accepts the fact that technology is now a dominant force that has both positive and negative aspects. The Internet is a very useful tool to find information, the disadvantage of this is that we are not forced to exercise our brain in doing so. He argues that we need deep analysis and some mental exercise to achieve the best results, a great insight into this Internet problem that no one else is talking about. The Shallows is a fascinating exploration that delves into the philosophy, neuroscience, history, and inevitable consequences of this revolutionary new Internet-based world.