beginnings to the final essay. homework for 12/5

Advancing the dissection of the Internet’s Affect on Us

One of the greatest controversies for those who live in today’s society is that of the Internet’s affect on us. We are pretty evenly divided on our beliefs based on how it has affected us individually and how we see it as a benefit or a curse to our productivity and development. Among those who have made their voices heard on the matter are Nicholas Carr and Clive Thompson. Carr makes clear in his work that he is noticing a difference in the way he thinks because of his extensive use of the Internet. “The Internet is becoming a universal medium, the conduit for most of the information that flows through my eyes and ears and into my mind” (Course Reader 59). Thompson on the other hand applauds the Internet for pushing people to writing in larger amounts, not to mention the quality of writing had also taken a turn for the best as described in his work. His purpose for writing this essay is to demonstrate to the public a number of ways that writing online is actually increasing our literacy. Although typically seen as opposites, I find myself agreeing with points expressed in both Thompson and Carr’s articles.