Reading Recommendation: The Shallows by Nicholas Carr

There's been a lot of back and forth about the effects of computers, or more specifically, the effects of the Internet, on our brains.  This 224 page (in larger, library font) book covers the history of our brains' development, starting with the advent of writing.  He declares that when the printing press made writing of all kinds accessible, our brains rewired themselves to think deeply and thoroughly, rather than what we'd done before- shallowly and quickly.  And the Internet, he says, reverting that ability.  Too much information, too fast, and not enough time to process it all.  It degrades our depth of thinking, our ability to be compassionate to others' difficulties, and, in the end, our humanity (he argues).

It also talks about brain plasticity, or the ability of adult brains to repurpose neurons.  An easy example is a study that blindfolded sighted people and started them in learning Braille.  After five days, there were notable differences in the part of the brain responsible for sight (which they were no longer using).  Specifically, that part of the brain was starting to respond to touch sensations.  In short, the brain was rewiring itself to compensate for no longer being able to see. (study here)

I don't entirely agree with the author's conclusions, but he's cited enough studies (and I've studied enough psychology) that I can safely say his concerns have merit.  I think I may personally try to straddle the line between the "thorough connected and near-mindless" modern person he decries, and the deeply thoughtful, bookish person he exalts and mourns.  I won't exile myself from modern life merely because modern life is changing us.  I love books, and a lot of my best thoughts come from thinking deeply, but I refuse to be stuck in the past.  More than that, if I want to have any chance of connecting with people in the present, I need to be able to speak their language and relate to them.  I can't do that if they can't slow down enough to read my thoughts on this blog. 

In conclusion, it was a thought-provoking read.  If you do grab this book and read it, I have a challenge for you: see how many times you get distracted and want to pick up your phone, or check your email, or just get bored because your brain wants something new to look at.  Personally, I struggled through the first 75 pages, but after that it got easier.