Slashdot ran an
article today about the internet making people less intelligent. I'm not sure if it's made me stupider, but it has definitely made me lazier and has seriously messed with my memory.
I no longer have a reason to retain information for very long because all the information in the world is at my fingertips. Between
Wikipedia and
Google, I can probably answer 90% of my questions in less than 5 minutes. Last week, I watched the same documentary twice because I forgot that I already saw it. One of the comments sparked something and I remembered watching it previously. I've found that I can't even remember the date for longer than it takes me to write it down. There's just no reason to remember things with information so handy. I'm no longer capable of remembering specific facts, just general concepts. I just forgot what I wanted to say about that...seriously - although that might be from fatigue rather than IIMADS (Internet Induced Memory and Attention Deficit Syndrome - pronounced eye-mads...I just made a new word!). I think I wanted to point out that the only way for me to remember details is to keep seeing and using them. Although, I think that's more along the lines of brainwashing rather than remembering.
I've also become unbelievably lazy since I started using the internet regularly. On a few occasions, while doing homework, I've actually gotten up out of my chair and walked to my computer to Google something rather than flip through my textbook. Google is just so much more efficient. I can search billions of pages in seconds and get exactly what I need. Once I find a page, my browser can search for specific words in the text. You just can't beat that. I can also order things and have them delivered rather than go to the store. Why should I drive to the store, root around, and pay sales tax if I can just have someone send stuff to me?
It also seems that I have this need for instant knowledge now. I've been trying to read this book about Intelligent Design, but I keep putting it down. I've had it for two weeks and I still haven't made it though the first chapter. I've also been working on the first ten pages of the Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy since December. Although I'm surprised that I was able to finish 1984 in less than three weeks a few months ago. It seems like there's too much filler and not enough information in books. I've grown used to a complex discussion being condensed into a few paragraphs to make for a faster read. Movies and shows contrast books in that they only run between half an hour to two hours. I know exactly how long it will be and it's not even that long.
Another habit that I've picked up is constantly checking on these forums. I refresh the page practically after every article on Slashdot and during TV commericals. With the click of a button, I'm connected to people around the world without having to leave my room. It's incredible how much time I spend sitting here refreshing the page, waiting for new posts. Phil needs a girlfriend...