Review - Nicholas Carr’s Assertions About the Internet

Angela Tomas

WRT 150

Professor Doyle

September 4, 2015

To the Editor,

        I recently read your article discussing Nicholas Carr’s assertions about the Internet. I believe that the Internet is not only making us smarter but is also helping us become more advanced in the world of technology. The internet has been around for a while now and it has never affected me personally in a negative way. In my opinion every invention has its time, and the Internet is the greatest invention of our time. Today’s generation is surrounded by everything technical.  Most children these days get attached to a technological device that usually has internet access rather than getting attached to a book or some type of magazine or article. These children discover websites, apps, and more and begin to adapt to this kind of environment. A book, I believe, physically in your hand is no different than a book that is accessible online. Some people prefer reading online and some prefer a physical copy in their hands. Most of the time the internet makes it easier to have access to certain things.          

        Carr stated that the Net seems to be chipping away our capacity for concentration and contemplation (Para. 4) however, I do not agree. Personally, I am able to focus more when, for example, I am researching on the internet instead of searching someplace else. You had stated that his research suggested that visitors to the site skipped and skimmed over the online sources, and visitors on the site “typically read no more than one or two pages of an article or book before they would ‘bounce’ out to another site” (Para. 7). Skipping and skimming not only occurs on the internet but it also happens with the actual, physical, object such as a book. It’s really a matter of focus and not losing your head.  It’s about using the internet responsibly and not becoming overwhelmed. Therefore, Carr cannot say that the internet downgrades our ability to concentrate and reflect.