One thing that really struck me in the Digital Nation video was the idea of stimulation as an addiction. The section on multi-tasking and what it does to the brain was very eye opening. The fact that excessive multi-tasking can completely alter brain fucntion and thought processes is definitely one element of what could be considered an addiction.
Another good example of this was the M.I.T. students who were addicted to their technology, to the point that they couldn't even have a dinner with friends without checking their cellphones numerous times. They are in need of constant stimulation from as many sources as possible. If all of their technology was suddenly taken away, I don't think that they would be able to function. These students would be "jonesing" for their stimulation fix to the distraction of all else.
I think in relying on this stimulation overload, something essential is being lost. The ability to sit quietly and contemplatively is an important part of being human. If great thinkers like Einstein or Socrates were being constantly inundated and distracted by all of this information technology, would they have still created their world changing ideas? Personally, I don't think so. It makes me wonder if, in twenty or thirty years, there will be any great thinkers left.
There will be great thinkers in 30 years..thy'll just relate their great ideas in 120 words or less.
ReplyDeleteExactly! But those 120 words will probably be text speak and freaky emoticons...
ReplyDeleteI never really thought about it (ah, irony,ha!), but I realize there haven't been any philosopher/poets in quite some time. I think the ability to think profound thoughts and to question things is part of what makes us human. Does this mean that we are becoming less human and more computerized? Will we be creating "New Messages" and "Replies" to our friends and families instead of actual give-and-take conversations? It is something to contemplate- while we still have the capacity to do so, before we continue to "evolve" even more.
ReplyDeleteThere will be grate thinkers because not everyone takes on technology like we do. Take Bill Gates for example...he is a genius that has made our world "better". Who knows what type of technology someone will come up with that will alter our lives for better or worse.
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