The Shallows

I think some good points are made in the article, one being that often people can be too engrossed in a screen than to have face to face communication, because as stated having to multi task in this way, will inevidetably mean that attention has to be split so one must suffer and sadly more often than not it is the face to face communication that does.
The same goes for how people can hide behind the anonimity of the internet to spread vile, fear, hate and horror to others, the cowards that they are would not often put their names or should i say face to, away from it.

I dont feel that the internet is making people stupider though quite the opposite, it enables an immense encyclopaedia of information available to you,at a click of a button, something that a library of books could never give you, or certainly not at the same speed. That said i feel what you do read on the internet can often be dismissed by the memory so it doesnt retain it in the same way as it would if you researched and investigated it in one or many books.

As for making people shallow, i think this is definately down to the individuals rather than blaming the internet, some people are more shallow than others and whereas in front of someone you generally have to concentrate on them if face to face so as not to appear rude, electronically you can nod in the right places or use the infamous “lol” to appear to be listening and interested in what is typed. But i do think the internet can make you more cynical, less gullible perhaps, and often less patient, now is this because there is generally so many more people after your attention compared to real life?. I mean its not often you will sit in a room of say 20 people every evening making conversation, and you certainly wouldnt be expected to know what everyone is talking about or be able to show an interest in each and every one of them. And do you come across alot more “types” of people, including the not so nice, its almost like personality and characters become more condensed, the same people use boards and rooms and you still return, if you really didnt like particular people you wouldnt invite the same 20 people round to your living room night after night alongside the ones you do get along with for conversation, but on the internet thats precisely what happens.
As far as saying women in history did not produce many great works of art, science or technology because their lives were dominated by multi-tasking, i think is rubbish, women have always in history, and even today been seen as a homemaker, babymaker, infact smart women were often frowned upon, men and society seeing men as the brains and the breadwinners and inventors. Women have achieved many many things in their homes and lives which were both inventive and smart in achieving the daily tasks, but these were not seen as great works merely making the job easier.
But as stated,having the ability to focus, “single task” is important too, as often this is required to achieve something to the best of your ability, and it may indeed be true that there are many people that use the internet, that are capable if focused of achieving alot more, i guess its like anything, its all down to personal discipline, we all know the internet can be addictive, and we can spend too much time on it, if it happens at the detriment to other things, real life,work and so forth then yes that does in effect make us stupider and most likely more shallow, as we are not fulfilling our ability and possible achievements, instead choosing in favour of indulging in sometimes infantile banal chatter. This being great for downtime, but our time shouldnt always be downtime.
In favour of the internet though, some great friendships and bonds can be made between people, and having somewhere to share trials and tribulations and get help and advice, or just to unload can be helpful and indeed therapeutic to many. Yes some can be superficial, yes some can be controlling, yes some can be harmful. But many can be good and lasting friendships.
I also think different viewpoints can be regarded, and at times give a different view entirely on a debate or issue, to one perhaps you would never have even contemplated, this isnt shallow quite the opposite, it actually deepens your understanding of things.

So in short (yes i know you wish id started and ended with this bit ) I think the internet does do some remodelling to our minds, is this always bad ? no i dont think so, its like anything its all down to an individuals ability to know when its too much, or in any way harmful to you as an individual. There are many many positives as well as many negatives, the trick is trying to pick the best from all

I personally do find the internet addictive and I have noticed that over-use has reduced my concentration span. But I don’t think it has any more effect on people than other activities – e.g. watching television or reading a book. I suppose it depends how you use the internet. If you’re using it creatively or as a tool – e.g. 3D modelling, creative writing or selling stuff on Ebay, that’s a bit different from long sessions of gaming, chat or pure websurfing.

It’s occurred to me that one thing that has probably had a bigger effect on the general psychology of the population is driving cars. We take it for granted but even with experienced drivers, there’s always the thought at the back of your mind that you’re actually involved in a pretty dangerous activity. How often, when driving, are our bodies and brains suppressing the ‘fight or flight’ instinct, even at times when we don’t feel stressed?

Irish friendliness and people skills are debateable.I can think of a few things that have changed for the better in recent years in terms of them.