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Wednesday, September 11, 2013
"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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Do you notice that you feel mentally rejuvenated or more able to focus after spending time in nature?
ReplyDeleteSalome T.
Yes, it just makes life easier when all distractions are out the door and not even technology can bother you and all there is, is mother natures beauty.
DeleteKasandra Hernandez
Yes I feel like I can forget about the distractions of daily life and focus on things I normally cannot focus on. I love putting technology to the side and just focus on other things! It's really nice!
DeletePaige J.
Yes, that is actually how am able to clear my mind every week or so. I am always able to go outside for a half an hour and clear my head from all of the worries and stresses of everyday life.
DeleteAllyson Brough
I found that Pinker's article had the most interesting case, he explained that media, although it can be distracting, it has helped us manage, search and retrieve information that we need. Its not that technology can be distracting, we as humans have to know when it's the appropriate time to use it and when it's not supposed to be used.
ReplyDeleteKasandra Hernandez
I believe the emergence of all the latest technology in the last fifty years has made a huge impact on us that we are able to do things we would not be able to do. It has allowed us to video chat with others, as well as send mail to someone on the other side of the world in less than a day. You can also shop for items that you could not find at a nearby store. It has allowed us to see things and get access to a vast amount of knowledge at home with just the click of a button. Of course there is always a negative side to a lot of things, because there are people today who scam a lot of people and there are a lot of others who spend their whole day in front of a screen instead of doing other productive things. There needs to be a balance in things to have a well rounded, healthy life.
ReplyDeleteJoseph S.
I can relate to what Mr.Braver says when he takes out his phone in moments of boredom or simply to be antisocial. I notice I do it all the time. who else picks up there phone constantly or simply to avoid people?
ReplyDeleteOlivia S.
I noticed recently that I automatically pick up my phone if my boyfriend and I get in an argument, even a little one. Subconsciously, I guess its my way of trying to avoid an unpleasant situation.
DeleteSalome T.
At the end of "Outdoors and Out of Reach, Studying the Brain" Mr. Krammer says, "Maybe I'm not listening so well. Maybe I can work at being more engaged." Has there ever been an instance when you could have been more engaged but were distracted by technology?
ReplyDeleteJustin H.
Sounds a lot like my senior year in high school.
DeleteSometimes I wish we could take a step back and not have to worry about ALWAYS being able to get a hold of someone.
I think it's nice sometimes to leave the phone home when I go out camping or something, it's nice to just drop off the grid for a little while.
Alex Rasmussen
What is the longest time you have gone without a phone or any electronic device, and how long are you willing to go without them?
ReplyDeleteJoseph S.
The longest time I have ever gone with out my phone was a week in Lake Powell. I t was a different feeling. I felt more free to have fun, but I was worried I was missing messages from people. I think I would be willing to go at least two weeks with out my phone.
DeleteMarissa Winter
What if all of our electronics went down at the same time and never came back on? Would we wait for someone else to fix it? Do you think society would be the same?
ReplyDeleteMarissa Winter
I noticed that sometimes when i talk to my siblings, i will be texting at the same time. and although in my head im thinking "this is so rude im not listening" i still finish the text! have you ever caught yourself being so distracted with technology that you continue to be attached to it even though there might be someone physicality there talking to you?
ReplyDeleteHayden C.
When coming home from a camping trip, i find myself frantically searching for my charger to charge my phone and check all my messages. does anyone else feel like they have to check their phone right when they get home?
ReplyDeleteHayden C.
Ritchel's article, in my opinion, builds a stronger case because it goes into detail about scientist and their experience in nature away from technology. His article also gives two sides of the issue by presenting the viewpoints of both believers and skeptics acknowledged that their trip allowed their brains to be at fuller capacity, even though they didn't completely change their minds, reinforces his argument.
ReplyDeleteLevi Skinner