LitCircle: Final Blog

I've read Cognitive Surplus: Creativity and Generosity in a Connected Age and I am comparing my book to what Kyle discussed about The Shallows from his blog. 

Both of our books usually got paired up during our LitCircle discussion days so I was able to draw information out and be able to derive a clear picture of what his book is talking about: what I got from it seemed completely different of what my book was all about. The Shallows made it seem as the Internet is a disadvantage to our brains while Cognitive Surplus made it sound like it is an advantage. However, while reading Kyle's blog, he pointed out that there is an advantage of the usage of the Internet. 


Shirky states that because the human species has evolved into complex cognitive form, we have been able to invent and think of original ideas to accomplish tasks more easily and efficiently. As a result, we have more time on our hands. And what do we do with that time? We watch TV. Instead, Shirky claims, we should be able to take that surplus of time and put it into more useful hands. The book talks about how the Internet and the media helps us thinking outside the box and being able to derive information from professionals as well as amateurs. He's saying that we are more connected through the media and able to spread news in seconds.


On the other hand, Carr explains that because of technology, we have developed a shorter attention span. But, this shorter attention span put us in good use with the Internet and multitasking. "Hyper texts, along with other internet sources, have been proven to increase cognitive loads and increase the ability to retain, as well as use new information." (Kyle). This is a great advantage as we continue to develop and evolve into more complex cognitive species.


All in all, because our cognitive thinking is expanding, so is the media. And as we keep on inventing more efficient ways of doing things, we have more time on our hands and in the end, we should incorporate that time into even more efficient technology to make our lives easier.