The Internet

Carr explains how the Internet distracts us through hypertexts, multimedia, messaging systems, which all promote multitasking and interrupt our thoughts. Carr supports his argument by referencing many studies and researchers. One study referenced was done to test the effect of hyperlinks on reading comprehension. Individuals were tested on their reading comprehension of the same text with a different number of hyperlinks. It was found that as the number of hyperlinks increased, the lower reading comprehension levels are. In the article, Online v. Print Reading: Which One Makes us Smarter?, this idea is further supported through research. After testing reading online compared to offline it was noted that reading comprehension is worse online. Ballantye explains this by noting how,"The process involves so much physical manipulation of the computer that it interferes with our ability to focus on and appreciate what we're reading," (Ballantye, 2008, n.p.)

Although through the majority of the book Carr notes how the Internet has negatively affected our mind, he also includes the way in which the Internet has allowed our mind to expand and has been benefitted by the Internet. Due to the quickly changing effects of the Internet and technology it has expanded the minds visual keenness. This has been proven through studies of video games and the minds ability to shift between different screens and deciding what is most important on a specific page. Studies also show that the use of the Internet also has improved hand eye coordination and has expanded the size of our short-term memory.