Is the internet “making us stupid”?
Background
In a 2008 article for The Atlantic, Nicholas Carr asked, “Is Google Making Us Stupid?” Carr argued that the internet as a whole, not just Google, has been “chipping away [our] capacity for concentration and contemplation.” He was concerned that the internet was “reprogramming us.” However, he also noted that we should “be skeptical of my skepticism,” because maybe he’s “just a worrywart.”
Check out the argument maps below to see the top arguments on both sides!
Discussion Questions
1. Do you believe the internet affects the way you think? How exactly?
2. Have you ever tried taking a break from the internet for more than a day? If so, how did that make you feel?
3. What specific apps or websites do you think have the most negative effects on your thinking, and why?
4. Describe in as much detail as possible what it would look like for someone to use the internet responsibly.
Recent Maps
Should humanity colonize other planets?
Is Cereal A Soup?
Should the US have universal health care?
Are there more doors or wheels in the world?
Should schools give students days off for mental health?
Should you go vegan?
Is it time pay everyone $15?
Should the US abolish the death penalty?
Should society celebrate Valentine’s Day?
Should schools still have “snow days”?
Should you always practice intellectual charity?
NFTs: the next big thing, or just hype?
Is it ever OK to lie?
Does God exist?
Whodunnit: The Valentine Gems Caper!
Whodunnit: Fire at Windsor Manor!
Do human beings have souls?
Is water wet?
Should we get rid of Daylight Saving Time?
Can our society delete Facebook?
Would it be good to live forever?
Should the US government pay ransom money for American hostages held overseas?
Should the government tax soda?
Can American democracy survive 2024?
Should all students be required to take humanities classes?
Should the government cancel student loan debt?
Should kids be required to do chores?
iPhone or Android?
Should schools teach “Critical Race Theory”?
Should schools and businesses require the COVID vaccine?
Is binge-watching TV good for you?
Should we end the practice of tipping in the US?
Should you invest in Bitcoin?
Is a hot dog a sandwich?
Should universities spy on students to prevent cheating?
Is it ethical to support Amazon?
Are cats better pets than dogs?
Is drinking milk good for humans?
Should we embrace self-driving cars?
Is ‘Cancel Culture’ Bad For Society?
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