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Wednesday, January 22, 2014
"Mind Over Mass Media" and "Outdoors and Out of Reach"
Here is Steven Pinker's op-ed article from The New York Times, "Mind Over Mass Media," and here is the link to Matt Richtel's "Outdoors and Out of Reach." These two articles seem to be written from opposing viewpoints. Which one, in your opinion, builds the strongest case in its discussion of technology and the brain?
You can post comments on both articles below.
You can post comments on both articles below.
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I think that "Mind Over Mass Media" was by far the more powerful article compared to "Outdoors and Out of Reach". "Mind Over Mass Media" was a lot shorter, but I prefer articles that get right to the point, and I almost felt like reading the other article was a waste of my time. I also feel like the conclusion was not satisfying. Does anyone agree/disagree?
ReplyDelete-Cailyn H.
I agree, Pinker did a great job of making his argument short, and still effective.
Delete- Bryson M
I disagree. I don't think that "Outdoors and Out of Reach" was a waste of time to read. In fact, I thought it was more informative to read than "Mind Over Mass Media". Pinker's article did have the stronger case and he was able to explain his thoughts and ideas more briefly, but all he focused on were the benefits of technology and how people, mostly teens, use them. Most people who own ipads, computers, etc. have them because they know its beneficial. They already understand the benefits that come from owning such devices--social networking, cruising the internet, watching videos, reading... the list goes on. What most people do not understand are the risks of over using these devices and the kind of impact it has on their brain psychologically and physically. Richtel focussed more on the risks and how 'over using' can effect a person's mind and body, and even though the accuracy on the data they accumulated was not efficient, since there were only 5 scientist taking part of the experiment, I think they portrayed a really important message. Not necessarily saying technology is bad or should not be used as much, but just stating the cons that are involved.
Delete- Sal M.
I agree too! Yes it was nice that it was a lot shorter, but as you said it got to the point. That makes an article so much easier to read when the author doesn't beat around the bush.
ReplyDelete- Melanie H.
I agree as well. Although, I did like reading "Outdoors and Out of Reach" just because my family and I go down to southern Utah every year camping, so it sparked my interest right away. Whenever we go I'm always amazed how weird it feels to not be checking my phone constantly or being near any sort of media really. But those trips are always very refreshing for me!
ReplyDeleteI also enjoyed "Outdoors and Out of Reach" for the samereason. Every other summer or so my family and I go on a rafting trip kind of the one in the article. therefor, I enjoyed an example I could really relate to. I also feel it can sometimes be powerful to an articles argument to have one specific example.
DeleteI enjoyed reading "Mind Over Mass Media," I think if we learn to manage how we use electronic media, it could benefit us. What do you guys think?
ReplyDelete- Bryson M
Yes. The problem is the way we use it, which is mostly for mindless entertainment purposes it seems, but if you keep your eyes open you can find people doing great things with technology and see the benefits to our lives.
ReplyDelete-Cailyn H.
Its amazing to have the information at our fingertips and just a click away,but then again what type of information are we taking in? local head lines or a Facebook status
DeleteIt is crazy the information we can get at our fingertips but I will admit I am someone who will sit down about ready to do some research for a class and end up on Facebook or Instagram.
DeleteKaylee C
I enjoyed the thoughts in this article. Maybe the problem is that we are using all of this information for all of the wrong reasons. Does anyone else think that we are using it the wrong way?
ReplyDelete-Jonathan Mifflin
Of course we do. Technology is said to be used for sharing information and thus furthers progress of mankind. How can that be said when it is used for things like video games and Facebook?
DeleteSteven Pinker brings up a good point when talking about the fear man has when new things arrive like the printing press. I agree with this point but disagree with his conclusions as to why the fear happens. Pinker says the fear is that people will use their brains less the more technology develops. I feel the truth lies closer to home. I think people fear losing others to the technology itself. Any other thoughts as to where the fear stems from?
ReplyDelete-Cimmarron LaFollette
I personally thought "Mind Over Mass Media," was more effective. I am getting at a point in my life were technology is wearing me out. It seems like you hear the same thing over and over again and yet I still have the urge to keep checking. Part of me wants to give it up but I like keeping in touch with certain people and still want to be connected to some degree. Does anybody have the same feelings or am I just insane?
ReplyDelete