In The Shallows By Jams Carr Analysis

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The Natural State One minute you hear a ding, the next second you hear a tweet, and the next a ring. Heads are constantly turning to see where the noise is coming from. Carr explains, “We want to be interrupted, because each interruption brings us a valuable information” (Carr 133). Technologies have had a huge responsibility of the brains “natural state of distractedness.” In The Shallows by Nicolas Carr, he explains “what the Internet is doing to our brains.” It is difficult to have single-minded concentration when the brain is in a constant state of distraction. It is impossible for our computers to have a single minded concentration because it is continuously distracting due to what the internet offers. Multitasking is possible, however having full focus on one subject while four other programs are running is extremely unlikely. Carr explains how current ways of thinking compared to the ways of learning and understanding before technology developed, are very different. When computer scientists introduced a new operating system that made multitasking easy, there were many different responses, some positive and negative. The scientists showed that they were able to respond to an email and go back to programming without any trouble. “Some were flabbergasted at the fact that one would want to open an email and become distracted while programming” (Carr 113). This is important because it proves that even when this new operating system came along, many were still against it. Today, students, teachers, professors and many other professions would find it difficult to imagine having the ability to open only one program on the devices they have. Single minded concentration is important because it allows one to understand something to the best of their abilities. However, the internet “where we routinely juggle not just two but several mental tasks, the switching costs are all the higher (Carr 133).” Carr discusses the importance of multitasking and how it provides faster product and “got the job done, but they lost the meaning” (Carr 133). It is important for people to understand the dilemma of distraction. …show more content…
Carr proves in the juggler’s brain how distraction can disrupt many people. As technology continues to increase and become more available, the more the brain struggles to juggle and concentrate on one activity. Having a juggler’s brain means that one cannot give full focus or concentration on one idea, and is having multiple ideas or activities going on in their brain, which increases distraction. Carr gives the example, “Try reading a book while doing a crossword puzzle; that’s the intellectual environment of the internet” (Carr 126). He compares multitasking two literary ideals in our daily lives to the internet and how difficult it is becoming. Carr continues to explain the juggler’s brain and how the internet has an impact on it. Hyperlinks are one of many causes the internet contributes to the juggler’s brain. Many people read articles and news stories online which are filled with hyperlinks, which “distract people from reading and thinking deeply (Carr 138).” This is crucial because according to Carr, people spend less than thirty seconds on a page, which barely gives them any understanding of that article. Hyperlinks are the pathway to distraction, which leads back to the juggler’s brain. The consequences of society developing a “juggler’s brain” may change our lives for eternity. It is difficult for people to give their all on a certain project or assignment when they are not focused on that one subject. In today’s society, we are more worried about quantity than quality, which is why this can be detrimental. It is helpful that our brains can rewire and develop skills that help us do multiple things at once, however Carr explains, “The Net’s interactivity gives us powerful new tools for finding information…It also turns us into lab rats constantly pressing levers to get tiny pellets of social or intellectual nourishment” (Carr 117). Whether it’s working on an assignment or watching a funny baby video, brains are in a constant state of anything else than what one may be working on. Not only is the idea of a “juggler’s brain” dangerous, but it also has neurological consequences. Carr discusses that “The brain recycles the disused neurons and synapses for other, more pressing work. We gain new skills and perspectives

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