StudentShare
Contact Us
Sign In / Sign Up for FREE
Search
Go to advanced search...
Free

Technology and the Internet - Research Paper Example

Cite this document
Summary
This paper aims to reject the propositions made by Nicholas Carr and also provides ample supporting evidence to reach a conclusion. The paper provides a fairly balanced debate on the topic before forming an opinion on the credibility of Carr’s opinions and judgments about the internet…
Download full paper File format: .doc, available for editing
GRAB THE BEST PAPER95.9% of users find it useful
Technology and the Internet
Read Text Preview

Extract of sample "Technology and the Internet"

Technology and the Internet The technology’s intellectual worth is being questioned by different people in different ways. The use of internet, computers and similar communication technologies are often debated on equal counter argument ways. Nicholas Carr clearly advocates that the never-ending application of internet technology as a tool of gathering information is “chipping away [our] capacity for concentration and contemplation.” As a counter argument, Jamais Cascio’s assertion may be used. Cascio suggests that technological advancements have facilitated the availability of a “sea of information [that won’t] dry up,” and he adds up that we should move forward “to take advantage of the diversity of knowledge and experience our civilization embodies.” The arguments of both authors are, hence, true and fairly acceptable but the charisma lies in keeping a balance between the usage of technology (or specifically internet). This paper aims to reject the propositions made by Nicholas Carr and also provides ample supporting evidence to reach to a conclusion. The paper provides a fairly balanced debate on the topic before forming any opinion on the credibility of Carr’s opinions and judgments about internet as a source of information or laziness. Carr’ judgments about technology as being an evil are discussed in the paper in detail and evidence is gathered, both, to support and refute the claims. Nicholas Carr focuses his attention on the search engine Google which is being used by almost every individual in the modern world. The author, Nicholas Carr, is of the view that although internet provides an endless pool of information, there are various inconsistencies about the information accessible on it. He argues that internet has distorted the manner of our thinking, analyzing and reading. Carr’s arguments on using internet for reading and researching are strong. The author does not deny the easy access of information and help on almost every topic using Google or other search engines but emphasizes on the quality of that information accessed which is or may be questionable. The decreased use of published information and original research material being used is the point which Carr is concerned about. The use of Google or other search engines provide relevant but to some extent unreliable information to the user. In support of Carr’s judgements about technology, Gibson’s analysis of technology may be useful. Gibson simple rejects the idea of using internet as a tool to save our time. He proposes that internet provides us with ample space to waste time. He sees internet as a broad system which takes up our whole attention and diverts us from the real necessity which needed to be fulfilled. This is quite true in many cases as internet does not allow us to focus on one topic, task or software. People usually use 2 or more software when surfing through the internet and social networking websites, messengers and other software are used side by side. Gibson claims that " it offers us the opportunity to waste time, to wander aimlessly, to daydream about the countless other lives, the other people, on the far sides of however many monitors in that postgeographical meta-country we increasingly call home" (Gibson 1996). The claims are not invalid as it is evident in the daily life that internet, Google or other social networking websites or software takes up most of our time. When using Google for a research, people often come across a number of new ideas or things which distract the user from the original search. In an effort to highlight the deficiencies that internet and technologies bring in our lives, Bradley provides a useful and convincing opinion. Bradley does not support the ease of communication as a powerful claim in favor of technology but instead refutes it by claiming it to be the best example of our laziness” as it shows our “inability to communicate face-to-face". The technology is making us lazy and inactive. Google and search engines fdo not merely provide easy yet manipulated information but also keep us away from the boundaries of libraries. Even the virtual libraries are avoided as users find it easier to get relevance on Google rather than searching libraries for credibility of the research or the topic. Use of online games substitutes the physical activities available at leisure parks and sports grounds; cars and other vehicles substitute our walking habits and internet substitutes the physical boundaries of class rooms, universities, libraries and real life interaction with people. Neither the benefits nor the drawbacks can be ignored of any subject. Internet and technology is a broad subject which can take up different perspectives to claim and counter claim the arguments. The USA today article proposes that "technology, including computers, e-mail, and cell phones, gives students a way to keep their relationships warm". The article also suggests that "some students may find it easier to watch their favorite television show or play games on the Internet" rather than socializing with friends, family or relatives. The debate, hence, goes on with counter arguments presented in a logical manner. It is argued that "the internet has become the best source of information as there is nothing on which you cannot find information by browsing the internet." (Bizymoms.com). The claim is neither new nor astonishing for the people today. Anything from a cooking recipe to literature analyses are available over the internet and easily accessible. However, the use of such information from the internet firstly creates problematic situation on the copyright issues when it comes to using that information in one’s personal research or sharing medium. Means (1997) makes use of a number of research studies to sustain the claims made. The paper provides thorough, rather than concise, analysis on the arguments. The paper claims that technology enhances learning. We use computers, internet, printers, online classrooms, databases and software to aid the learning process in the modern educational environment. Means (1997) supports the use of internet in the learning area as it provides students and learners with a number of new ways to explore their knowledge and enhance it using the internet and other resources. They also find a way to express their feelings, share their information and research their unanswered questioned using internet research software and mediums. The use of internet may be a waste of time if not used intellectually. Internet cannot be judged as an evil force or a completely useless thing as it provides a number of ways which facilitate learning, sharing knowledge, motivating learning environment, communicating ideas and enhancing learners’ interest. The distant education concept is a straightforward evidence of internet being a helping hand in promoting education. The use of internet research engines like Google may be questioned for the reliability of information but suggesting that it does not help us learn or participate in the learning environment is vague. Google and other search engines provide us the starting point of any research and make it easier for us to find out the relevant and useful resources for the topic by going through the reviews, people’s suggestions and so on. The main idea is to properly formulate a working and learning scope, scheduling it and following the plan to avoid the distractions. Internet search engines do have some drawbacks but basing our decision on those drawbacks does not eliminate the need of it in our daily life. Technology is helping us in every walk of life and internet is a blessing which supports our learning, working, family and daily life. Bibliography "Technologys a blessing and curse to students". USA Today (Society for the Advancement of Education). FindArticles.com. 31 Mar, 2011.< http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m1272/is_2724_134/ai_n15380367/?tag=content;col1> Bizymoms, . "Internet as a source of information. ." Computers and Technology. Bizymoms, Web. 31 Mar 2011. . Bradley, Eric. "Technology is making us lazy ." Computers & Technology. Helium, 10 Mar 2009. Web. 31 Mar 2011. . Carr, Nicholas. "Is Google Making Us Stupid?: What the Internet is doing to our brains." Atlantic July2008: pp. 186-94. Web. 31 Mar 2011. . Gibson, William. "THE NET IS A WASTE OF TIME." New York Times Magazine 14 Jul. 1996: n. pag. Web. 31 Mar 2011. . Means, Barbara. "Critical Issue: Using Technology to Enhance Engaged Learning for At-Risk Students." Learning point Associates. North Central Regional Educational Laboratory, 1997. Web. 31 Mar 2011. . Read More
Cite this document
  • APA
  • MLA
  • CHICAGO
(Technology and the Internet Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words - 1, n.d.)
Technology and the Internet Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words - 1. https://studentshare.org/information-technology/1752083-is-google-making-us-stupid-by-nicholas-carr
(Technology and the Internet Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 Words - 1)
Technology and the Internet Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 Words - 1. https://studentshare.org/information-technology/1752083-is-google-making-us-stupid-by-nicholas-carr.
“Technology and the Internet Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 Words - 1”. https://studentshare.org/information-technology/1752083-is-google-making-us-stupid-by-nicholas-carr.
  • Cited: 0 times

CHECK THESE SAMPLES OF Technology and the Internet

Advantages of the Obama Campaign Team

The 2008 campaign was notable for the use of technology and it is certain that the 2012 campaign would witness more effective use of technology.... This was brought on by a combination of savvy internet outreach and a dedicated volunteer force which utilized technology effectively.... Use of technology Obama's campaign team uses technology very effectively and this is reflected in the website as well....
3 Pages (750 words) Essay

Virginity Auctioning in the Light of Ethics, Morality and Consequence

More individuals are resorting to Technology and the Internet to obtain more lucrative deals that they may not be able to acquire had Technology and the Internet not been in existence yet or if they prefer to use conventional ways of selling their virginity (Darlington and Brocchetto, “Teen Offers Virginity for Money”).... This essay stresses that selling virginity has swamped the media and the internet, and garnered mixed opinions from different populations the world over....
3 Pages (750 words) Essay

Living and Working in a Hypermedia World

That is, billions of devices will be constantly connected to the Internet and the internet will be spread across all of these connected devices.... Convergence is exactly where the internet is going, but it is also divergence.... hellip; So we will have the stored pages on servers, plus the desktops and the billions of smartphones, laptops and tablets holding the current information available on the internet at any given time, plus billions more tiny embedded chips communicating with myriads of other chips to control our environments and make life easier....
4 Pages (1000 words) Essay

Disapprobation of Pornography

While there are laws in the US that impose harsh penalties on offenders in this area, the advent of Technology and the Internet almost render them inutile.... In the paper "Disapprobation of Pornography", the author tells that he often wonders why a porn star would not sweat it out to attend school or college to broaden their minds, instead of spreading their legs....
2 Pages (500 words) Essay

Disadvantages of Web Publications

A revolution in the publication industry is catching up as a result of technological innovations particularly the information Technology and the Internet.... It is especially true as even in the underdeveloped world where the internet and other technologies have not reached, it is only the print media that dominates.... It is especially true as even in the underdeveloped world where the internet and other technologies have not reached, it is only the print media that dominates....
3 Pages (750 words) Essay

Initial research proposal

s the economy continues to plummet, SBE have had to adapt in order to survive the harsh economic times as competition for the already limited target market is fiercer and as such some SBE are turning to Technology and the Internet to attract, extend the market target and keep their customers.... (2001), "Strategy and the internet", Harvard Business Review, 79 (3):63-78.... Currently, technological advancement has led to the access of the internet....
2 Pages (500 words) Essay

Global Expansion Assessment of Westinghouse

For instance, they have the core obligation of ensuring that they device systematic strategies that will ensure that customers are able to capitalize on access to Technology and the Internet to be specific to do business with them.... To this end, Ellis-Christensen, 2012 observes that “globalization is said to bring people of all nations closer together, especially through a common medium like the economy or the internet.... ?? What this means is that the internet is the major agent for realizing the dream of globalization....
2 Pages (500 words) Essay

Electronic Recruiting System Description

The difference that this site offers, though, is the free ScreeningRoom™ and pre-screen questionnaire services that essentially help employers in narrowing down candidates for the jobs posted in addition to applicant tracking services which may also be offered by the other sites The electronic recruiting system is now an emerging contemporary trend in terms of recruiting processes that uses computer Technology and the Internet allowing employers “to quickly identify and hire qualified candidates, and to build on-going relationships with prospective employees” (Lee, 2006, p....
2 Pages (500 words) Assignment
sponsored ads
We use cookies to create the best experience for you. Keep on browsing if you are OK with that, or find out how to manage cookies.
Contact Us