Concentration Retards - Thanks Google!
Well howdy folks. My blogspot profile has been fairly dormant in recent months. Well, actually, this is my first official blogspot post of 2008, so yes, dormant may be a good way to describe it.
A good subject to open my 2008 postings would be our handicapped ability to read and concentrate. The fact that you are here indicates you make up a portion of our society with internet access. Odds are, you've had such access for a while now. (Any amateur user still wouldn't know the meaning of "Blog", so I doubt we have any amateurs, right?) I was first introduced to the internet in the late nineties. Back when it was more of a rare phenomenon. I became a "user" in 2001 thanks to a job I took at Highway Radio. As my use and reliance of the internet has increased, I am ashamed to say that I have witnessed and experienced the degradation of my ability to concentrate when reading or writing.
Even the fact that you got this far is impressive in my books!
I came across an article on the net entitled "That's Why They Call Them Browsers". Whatever program you are using right now, whether it be Internet Explorer 6.0 (Shame); Firefox; Chrome; Opera or Safari (Shame again), they are all applications we term "Browsers". And it all makes sense! The internet is a mine of information. The problem is; there was never any protocol of how it should be established.
And what we have now is a wealth of information stored on pages with so many links and adverts; it makes it impossible to concentrate on the very article you are reading! Go have a look at http://www.nytimes.com/ for instance. One of the most significant newspapers in the world, but each article bombards you with other adverts and articles that you barely have time to satisfy your reading before you become interested in another catchy article!
We browse; and miss out on the joy of indulging in the entirety of an article, essay, or piece of literature.
The internet has retarded us. I love reading. The English education system taught me to read from early on. And I haven't stopped. But I have noticed that in the last 7 years of increased internet usage my concentration ability has become seriously handicapped.
What's the point of this article? Just a wake up call for those that have come across it.
A wake up call for us as intelligent beings "made in the image of God" to take stock of where we are as a society. I am adamant of not allowing my handicapped ability to read prevent me from reading great literature!
The Doctors among us will call this A.D.D. among other syndromes. I call it another brick in the wall of "society's degradation".
Would love to hear your comments!
Until next time...
Even the fact that you got this far is impressive in my books!
I came across an article on the net entitled "That's Why They Call Them Browsers". Whatever program you are using right now, whether it be Internet Explorer 6.0 (Shame); Firefox; Chrome; Opera or Safari (Shame again), they are all applications we term "Browsers". And it all makes sense! The internet is a mine of information. The problem is; there was never any protocol of how it should be established.
And what we have now is a wealth of information stored on pages with so many links and adverts; it makes it impossible to concentrate on the very article you are reading! Go have a look at http://www.nytimes.com/ for instance. One of the most significant newspapers in the world, but each article bombards you with other adverts and articles that you barely have time to satisfy your reading before you become interested in another catchy article!
We browse; and miss out on the joy of indulging in the entirety of an article, essay, or piece of literature.
The internet has retarded us. I love reading. The English education system taught me to read from early on. And I haven't stopped. But I have noticed that in the last 7 years of increased internet usage my concentration ability has become seriously handicapped.
What's the point of this article? Just a wake up call for those that have come across it.
A wake up call for us as intelligent beings "made in the image of God" to take stock of where we are as a society. I am adamant of not allowing my handicapped ability to read prevent me from reading great literature!
The Doctors among us will call this A.D.D. among other syndromes. I call it another brick in the wall of "society's degradation".
Would love to hear your comments!
Until next time...
6 comments
Hi James,
I agree! It has become increasingly difficult to focus for a lengthy period of time in today's media-crazed world!
I find it tough to concentrate myself...the internet is a bright shiny object that attracts my attention. Right now I should be editing a business plan :)
This is a great problem, and even more so for the youth that is growing up now. Imagine trying to concentrate in a class on some booring matter that you are being forced to work through, while in your head, you are still suffering the effects of the TV shows that were being watched the previous day/ evening, and in some cases that very morning.
Then include the fact that most have got shocking nutritional habbits, having large amounts of sugars and processed foods in the morning, or not having the time to eat at all in the morning.
Now just for example include too little sleep, rest, recovery and regeneration.
What are we doing to our future generation, our up coming leaders, "graduates" and work force.
Full and extensive education of parents and children is of a desperate need. We should be trying to build the future, not hinder it, progress it not regress it. People need to be made aware of the mindless decisions that they are making with cluttering their lives to fit in more and more each day. What happened to having a 5 min coversation without being interupled by a communication device of some sort grabbing imeadiate attention.
There will be great amounts of trouble heading our way if we are not carefull.
Thanks for the comment, "anonymous".
Yep, when one looks into the distance, gazing upon our future, one can only wonder what type of a society will be. How much further shall we decay into a society reliant on convenience-based services, thereby drastically reducing our ability to think on our feet and be a people of substantial intelligence and wit?
Your comment is rich with possibilties. Thanks for popping by!
Hi James.
Thanks for your responce. I really don't mean to be negative or pesamistic, however I am truelly concerned for this upcoming generation.
By posing some of the above points, who knows there may be a difference made. Even if it is one person that gains perspective, changes something in their life, or decides to do something different. It is one person that will reap the rewards and gain an advantage. Every person counts and can make a difference.
Thanks again. Your insight can be so profound. All the best.
Thanks. I appreciate the interaction with readers. Yes, I do hope somehow articles such as these would make an impact on people's lives, no matter how small it may be.
I'm no pessimist, but the writing is on the wall. One only needs to look at the state of our youth in the Western world to see where we're headed. But there is hope. Only One Hope.
Keep reading, and keep your thoughts coming in. It is sincerely appreciated.
James
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