The impact of the Web on how we think
The Internet is often compared to the printing press in its influence on society. Writing at the Guardian, John Naughton comments on a study by the British Library (PDF download here) that suggests that the way that our minds process information is changing (and not for the better IMO). Naughton writes:
‘It is clear’, says the study, ‘that users are not reading online in the traditional sense, indeed there are signs that new forms of “reading” are emerging as users “power browse” horizontally through titles, contents pages and abstracts, going for quick wins. It almost seems that they go online to avoid reading in the traditional sense.’ These findings apply to online information seekers of all ages.
The study confirms what many are beginning to suspect: that the web is having a profound impact on how we conceptualise, seek, evaluate and use information. What Marshall McLuhan called ‘the Gutenberg galaxy’ - that universe of linear exposition, quiet contemplation, disciplined reading and study - is imploding, and we don’t know if what will replace it will be better or worse. But at least you can find the Wikipedia entry for ‘Gutenberg galaxy’ in 0.34 seconds.
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