I feel that my current generation seems to be the one that can most identify with the affects of the Google transformation. Throughout elementary school, we rarely used computers or the Internet for reading. In fact, our reading program was very book intensive, and it encouraged comprehension skills. Even in middle school, teachers were still skeptical about using the Internet as a way to promote reading. Throughout these years, computer technology wasn’t “brand new”, but it was still new enough. For papers and research projects, we were always required to research in the library, and allowed only one Internet source. However, by the time I got to High School, this process changed. Internet readings became a part of our daily homework. We were presented with how to properly use the Internet to search, and where we could find crucial information. I can only recall two times during all of high school when I stepped into the library and actually used a book. While many see the Internet as an efficient and amazing tool, I would have to agree with Carr when he suggests that the Internet is actually making us stupid.
Out of all the issues regarding the Internet, the biggest one that Carr mentions is its ability to disregard deep reading. This loss of deep reading, which often allows us to develop our own thoughts and opinions, is replaced with a series of links, easy searches, and opinions already posted. When a person reads a book to find an answer, it takes time. The process may be long, but as you search for answers, you begin to find other answers and information along the way. It is a complete learning process. With the Internet, you simply type in what your looking for, and the answer is there within seconds, no searching involved. In addition, Carr points out that since we no longer “deep read”, we have instead adapted a browsing skill, where we search for key words, similar to the Internet. I too have adapted this skill, often as a way to promote time efficiency. When I read articles and books, I often skim through the pages, making sure I get the main gist. However, I lose out on all of the detail, anecdotes, and key parts of the piece that often serve as learning devices. I would definitely have to agree with Carr and say the Internet is an issue. Personally, I have seen the transformation through my education, and can identify with how things have changed. However, generations after mine may never know what its like to open a book and read for hours, simply because Google will do it for them.
