Introduction
The Shallows: What the Internet is Doing to Our Brains is a 2010 book written by American journalist Nicholas Carr. In chapter 7 of the book, Carr focuses on the Internet’s effects on the brain’s plasticity and explains the influence of hypertext on the mind’s ability to process information and multitask.
Background
Carr first introduces his argument of the Internet’s effects on the brain in his 2008 article “Is Google Making Us Stupid?” Carr states that the brain can be rewired due to technology, which relates to his theory in chapter 7 of his book.
Synopsis
Chapter 7 covers the topics of neuroplasticity, hypertext, and multitasking. The chapter focuses on the effects of the Internet on the brain and the mind’s ability to understand and process information.
Plasticity …show more content…
He mentions that because of the multiple interactions available through the Internet, it distracts the mind from completing other tasks and forces the continuation of constantly checking social media in order to feel connected with others. Old functions of the brain eventually restructure to support other Net-related skills. Ultimately, Carr explains that exposure to the Internet remodels the structure of the brain.
Hypertext
Hypertexts are texts on a screen that when clicked, allows access to other texts on the Internet. Because of the reader’s ability to choose what to read and switch view points easily, it was originally believed to enhance the reader’s experience; however, Carr points to studies that show the negative effects of hypertexts. A 1989 study presented the weakened ability to comprehend text with hyperlinks because of the need to make connections rather than focusing on the text itself. Carr explains that hypertext readers have shorter attention spans and supplies more information than the mind needs when reading.
The Shallows: What the Internet is Doing to Our Brains is a 2010 book written by American journalist Nicholas Carr. In chapter 7 of the book, Carr focuses on the Internet’s effects on the brain’s plasticity and explains the influence of hypertext on the mind’s ability to process information and multitask.
Background
Carr first introduces his argument of the Internet’s effects on the brain in his 2008 article “Is Google Making Us Stupid?” Carr states that the brain can be rewired due to technology, which relates to his theory in chapter 7 of his book.
Synopsis
Chapter 7 covers the topics of neuroplasticity, hypertext, and multitasking. The chapter focuses on the effects of the Internet on the brain and the mind’s ability to understand and process information.
Plasticity …show more content…
He mentions that because of the multiple interactions available through the Internet, it distracts the mind from completing other tasks and forces the continuation of constantly checking social media in order to feel connected with others. Old functions of the brain eventually restructure to support other Net-related skills. Ultimately, Carr explains that exposure to the Internet remodels the structure of the brain.
Hypertext
Hypertexts are texts on a screen that when clicked, allows access to other texts on the Internet. Because of the reader’s ability to choose what to read and switch view points easily, it was originally believed to enhance the reader’s experience; however, Carr points to studies that show the negative effects of hypertexts. A 1989 study presented the weakened ability to comprehend text with hyperlinks because of the need to make connections rather than focusing on the text itself. Carr explains that hypertext readers have shorter attention spans and supplies more information than the mind needs when reading.