Google = Dumb?

Have you ever paid a visit to your doctor in regards to an ailment that you’re not quite sure what it is? This particular condition has you concerned partly because, first and foremost, you genuinely feel awful. But almost more concerning is the fact that your mind is reeling from the countless possibilities put forth by WebMD? That’s right, you had to Google the symptoms and although the wide spectrum of results ranges from the most benign to severe; you focus in on the one that says you’re going to die. In an effort to get a more factual diagnosis you consult your highly educated and trusted physician. The answer is surely within the vast library of knowledge that their intense, decade-long education has built; right? Much to your dismay the Doctor seems puzzled themselves, swivels their chair to the computer and does the unthinkable; they Google it! To some, this may not seem all that alarming, and while there is some merit to looking things up on the web, it illustrates a question that author Nicholas Carr writes in his article in The Atlantic online magazine, Is Google Making Us Stupid? What the internet is doing to our brains. Carr argues that the internet and its never-ending wealth of information have altered our mind and the way we think. He goes on to say that having search engines like Google at your disposal, over time, lessens the ability to problem solves on our own. Also, it diminishes our attention span when reading. It’s a process that occurs without us really knowing, but once we do become aware it too late. Carr gives the example of 2001; a Space Odyssey’s artificial intelligence program HAL slowly losing its mind and as a result, sends crew member Dave to his death. Because of Google and the internet, people have committed themselves to a path similar to HAL and will make similarly idiotic decisions. Whether or not you agree with Carr’s overall assertion, there are interesting points that are enough to give one pause. My opinion of current society is similar to that of Carr, however; I am on the fence as to what I think the cause is. The internet and convenience of search engines may be a contributing factor but I also think that people have always been stupid and have done stupid things. The difference now is that we are all connected either by sheer proximity due to population numbers or by social media. It may not be the route that is the problem; perhaps it’s the content. Don’t ingest garbage and your mind will have a better chance at avoiding a fate similar to HAL’s.